onslaught

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "onslaught" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a large number of things or people arriving at once, often used in a negative context. For example, "The hospital was unprepared for the onslaught of patients arriving with coronavirus symptoms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Film

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over the winter of 1937, Japanese troops in Nanjing unleashed a relentless onslaught of looting, burning, torture and murder.

The Guardian - Film

When the onslaught finally breaks, the men look up to see a lark wheeling and turning in the now quiet sky above them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If the celebration was respectful, the onslaught that followed – after being dropped the very next ball – was anything but.

The Guardian - Sport

The Brazilians, and Neymar in particular, stood up to the physical onslaught, but still needed a crucial deflection to survive a last-gasp header from the new Manchester United signing Radamel Falcao.

The Guardian - Sport

The late onslaught was the only spell in the entire match when Watford had attacked with any real momentum.

The Guardian - Sport

Cameron's fears about the Ukip onslaught, not least in Rochester and Strood, has led him to make some big promises too.

The Guardian

The instinct, in these circumstances, is to brace oneself for the onslaught of unbearable Aussie swagger.

The Guardian - Sport

The national security adviser, Mike Omeri, said on Wednesday that "the final onslaught" was under way.

The Guardian

Sturgeon said voters were subject to an "onslaught of fear-mongering" after a second YouGov poll gave the yes side a lead.

The Guardian

The director defended his work from the onslaught of toxic reviews, calling the film "a disturbingly relevant historical document".

The Guardian - Film

Because if we do not act to stem the onslaught of this exceptionally dangerous terrorist movement, it will only grow stronger until it can target us on the streets of Britain".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "onslaught" to describe a sudden, forceful, and often overwhelming attack or influx of something, whether it's physical, emotional, or metaphorical. For instance, "the city braced for the onslaught of the hurricane".

Common error

Avoid using "onslaught" to describe trivial or minor inconveniences. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Instead, reserve it for truly overwhelming situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "onslaught" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object in a sentence, describing a forceful or overwhelming attack. Ludwig's examples illustrate this usage in various contexts, such as military conflicts and market trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Opinion

5%

Less common in

Film

3%

Travel

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Onslaught" is a noun denoting a fierce attack or an overwhelming quantity of something. Grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in news and media to describe intense situations. While generally neutral, its impact is best reserved for significant events. Alternatives include "barrage" and "attack", each nuanced for specific contexts. Using "onslaught" appropriately ensures clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barrage

Focuses on a continuous and overwhelming outpouring, often of criticism or questions.

attack

A general term for an aggressive action, lacking the sense of overwhelming force.

outpouring

Implies a sudden and abundant flow, often of emotions or support.

onrush

Emphasizes the forward movement and speed of the attack or influx.

bombardment

Highlights the forceful and relentless nature of the attack, usually with projectiles.

onset

Indicates the beginning or start of something, especially something unpleasant.

deluge

Suggests a massive flood or overwhelming amount of something.

flurry

Implies a rapid and often chaotic burst of activity or events.

wave

Describes a surge or increase in something, often gradual and sustained.

blitz

Conveys a sudden and overwhelming attack, often associated with military campaigns.

FAQs

How can I use "onslaught" in a sentence?

You can use "onslaught" to describe a fierce attack, like "The troops faced a relentless "onslaught" from the enemy". It can also refer to a large quantity, such as "The company prepared for the "onslaught" of holiday shoppers".

What are some alternatives to the word "onslaught"?

Alternatives to "onslaught" include "barrage", "attack", or "outpouring", depending on the specific context.

Is "onslaught" a positive or negative term?

"Onslaught" typically has a negative connotation, as it implies a forceful and overwhelming attack or influx that is often unwelcome or destructive. However, it can occasionally be used neutrally to describe a large quantity of something without necessarily implying negativity.

What is the difference between "onslaught" and "attack"?

While both "onslaught" and "attack" refer to aggressive actions, "onslaught" implies a greater intensity and overwhelming force. An "attack" can be a single event, while an "onslaught" suggests a sustained and intense period of aggression.