quite crushing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite crushing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very overwhelming or emotionally devastating. Example: "The news of her sudden departure was quite crushing for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This could be quite crushing".

The New York Times - Sports

To then fail to fix it – and fail so publicly – must be quite crushing.

The Guardian

Think about how dysfunctional they feel, how failed they feel, a panel of people going: 'Sorry, you're going to fail.' I find it quite crushing.

The Guardian - Music

"To not be able to be there, I am sure is quite crushing, but I do understand the pressure".

BBC

"Looking back, it is hardly surprising that it was rejected," she remembers, "but at the time it was quite crushing".

Science Magazine

"It was their building that got blown up". When the original execution date was pushed back, "it was quite crushing to me," Broxterman said.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We are quite crushed by the dreadful news," Wodehouse wrote.

The Guardian - Books

I suggest to Gore that this wasn't quite the crushing riposte Cowell thought it was.

The Guardian - Music

They seemed to collectively forget that the next big state to vote is New York, where Trump will quite likely crush the competition (Ted Cruz is already regretting that "New York values" dig he made toward Trump in an earlier debate).

Huffington Post

Stuart Broad, who had earlier dismissed Dhawan's formidable opening partner Rohit Sharma, could have done better with his first delivery after returning from the dressing room, but he could not have expected quite such a crushing rebuke.

Independent

I have done a lot of things in my life to make extra-cash, but nothing quite as soul crushing as trying to get someone to buy my sperm.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite crushing" to express a significant level of disappointment or emotional distress, but be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing. Consider if a stronger or more specific adjective might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "quite crushing" too frequently, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "utterly devastating" or "deeply disappointing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite crushing" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying a noun to describe its impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite crushing" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing a significant level of disappointment or emotional devastation. Ludwig AI confirms this. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it can also be appropriate in scientific and business writing. Consider the specific nuance and audience when deciding if "quite crushing" is the most effective choice, and remember to vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Alternatives such as "utterly devastating" or "deeply disappointing" may be more suitable in some cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite upsetting

Maintains the "quite" qualifier but replaces "crushing" with a slightly milder term.

utterly devastating

Replaces "quite crushing" with a stronger intensifier and a synonym for causing great distress.

completely heartbreaking

Focuses on the emotional impact of the situation, emphasizing sadness and sorrow.

absolutely demoralizing

Highlights the loss of confidence and motivation resulting from the event.

incredibly deflating

Highlights the sudden loss of energy and enthusiasm.

deeply disappointing

Uses a more moderate tone, emphasizing the failure to meet expectations.

extremely upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress and disturbance caused by the event.

exceptionally disheartening

Emphasizes the loss of hope and enthusiasm due to the situation.

terribly discouraging

Highlights the negative impact on one's motivation and resolve.

very painful

Focuses on the emotional suffering and distress caused by the event.

FAQs

What does "quite crushing" mean?

The phrase "quite crushing" describes something that is very disappointing, emotionally devastating, or overwhelming. It suggests a significant negative impact on someone's feelings or hopes.

How can I use "quite crushing" in a sentence?

You can use "quite crushing" to describe an event, piece of news, or situation that causes significant disappointment. For example, "The rejection letter was "quite crushing" after all the hard work I put in."

What are some alternatives to "quite crushing"?

Alternatives include "utterly devastating", "deeply disappointing", "completely heartbreaking", or "absolutely demoralizing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite crushing" formal or informal?

"Quite crushing" falls in the neutral to slightly formal register. It is suitable for most writing contexts, but more formal situations might benefit from stronger or more precise vocabulary.