it was debilitating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was debilitating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, condition, or experience that causes severe weakness or incapacity. Example: "After weeks of relentless stress at work, it was debilitating, leaving me exhausted and unable to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In the past, these would-be politicians were given a choice that was stark as it was debilitating: be either a one-dimensional ethnic minority MP or a multifaceted MP who does not talk about race.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was debilitating symptoms such as those that led Dr Anne Turner, who had the condition, to end her own life in Switzerland in 2006 – a story later dramatised for TV with Julie Walters.Swankie says that on dark days he does discuss with Sheelagh at what point they choose to opt for a "do not resuscitate" (DNR) order.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But honestly, at times, it was debilitating.

Huffington Post

For Beverly, it was debilitating back pain, recurrent shingles and depression.

HuffPost

"It was debilitating," said Ms. Coots, 46, who is from Los Angeles.

The New York Times - Health

"It was debilitating," Dailey said.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

First, it is debilitating.

The Guardian

He went on, "It's debilitating.

The New Yorker

The silence is enveloping, it's debilitating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It doesn't mean it's debilitating.

The New York Times - Sports

Then R.S.D. came along and affected her the same way it affects everyone — it's debilitating.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was debilitating" to clearly convey that a condition, situation, or experience significantly weakened or impaired someone's ability to function normally. It's effective for describing both physical and emotional states.

Common error

While descriptive, using "it was debilitating" too frequently can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of the effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was debilitating" primarily functions as a subject complement, providing information about the subject ("it"). It describes the state or condition of the subject, indicating that something caused significant weakness or impairment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Lifestyle

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was debilitating" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase to describe something that caused significant weakening or impairment, as validated by Ludwig AI. While its frequency is uncommon, it is readily understood and used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately conveys the severity of the impact and consider alternative phrases like "it proved crippling" or "it felt overwhelming" to avoid repetition and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it proved crippling

Emphasizes a severe, often long-term, disabling effect, suggesting a major impediment.

it felt overwhelming

Highlights the sense of being completely submerged or overpowered by the experience.

it became paralyzing

Indicates a loss of ability to act or function, often due to fear or anxiety.

it was extremely weakening

Focuses on the gradual loss of strength or energy, leading to a state of frailty.

it left me incapacitated

Directly states the result of being unable to perform normal activities or functions.

it rendered me helpless

Suggests a loss of control and the inability to assist oneself in a situation.

it felt crushing

Emphasizes the immense pressure and emotional weight of the situation.

it completely drained me

Highlights the total depletion of energy and resources, leaving one exhausted.

it proved exhausting

Focuses on the fatiguing nature of the experience and the resulting tiredness.

it left me powerless

Indicates a lack of authority or ability to influence or change the circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "it was debilitating" in a sentence?

You can use "it was debilitating" to describe a condition or experience that severely weakens or impairs someone. For example, "The illness was debilitating, preventing him from working".

What are some alternatives to "it was debilitating"?

Some alternatives include "it proved crippling", "it felt overwhelming", or "it became paralyzing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was debilitating" or "it is debilitating"?

Both are correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It was debilitating" refers to something in the past, while "it is debilitating" refers to something in the present.

What's the difference between "it was debilitating" and "it was exhausting"?

"It was debilitating" implies a significant impairment of function or strength, while "it was exhausting" simply means it was very tiring. Debilitating suggests a more severe and long-lasting effect.