soul crushing

USAGE SUMMARY

'soul crushing' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe something as disheartening, disappointing, or overwhelming. For example, "The soul-crushing workload has left her feeling burnt out and exhausted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

I've repeatedly found physical affection embarrassing and sex a wee bit soul crushing.

The New York Times

Soul crushing?

Huffington Post

There was soul crushing depression.

Huffington Post

Follow ÁIte Pennello on Twaster.

Vice

Deep, soul crushing, heart exploding, crazy kind of love.

Huffington Post

A last hug...Your brain doesn't choose in those severe, soul crushing moments.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"It was actually soul-crushing".

The New Yorker

Depressing, soul-crushing and occasionally terrifying.

The New York Times

Is sisterhood sacred or soul-crushing?

The Guardian - Opinion

Hockley called it a "soul-crushing" experience.

The Guardian

Do truck stops have to be such soul-crushing places?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "soul crushing" to vividly describe situations or experiences that cause deep emotional distress, disappointment, or a sense of hopelessness.

Common error

Avoid using "soul crushing" to describe minor inconveniences. Save it for truly significant and emotionally taxing situations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soul crushing" functions as a compound adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something as profoundly disheartening or emotionally devastating. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in describing experiences like job searching, loss, or oppressive environments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "soul crushing" is a powerful compound adjective used to describe experiences that induce deep emotional distress or despair. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Examples reveal frequent usage in News & Media to convey impactful negative experiences. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve "soul crushing" for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor. Alternatives include "utterly devastating" or "deeply disheartening".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely crushing

Intensifies the feeling of being overwhelmed or defeated.

utterly devastating

Focuses on the overwhelming nature of the negative experience.

spirit breaking

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the breaking of one's spirit.

deeply disheartening

Emphasizes the loss of hope and encouragement.

crushing blow to the spirit

Highlights the damage inflicted on one's morale.

deeply depressing

Highlights the severe lowering of mood and energy.

extremely demoralizing

Focuses on the reduction of confidence or morale.

heartbreakingly sad

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow involved.

profoundly upsetting

Highlights the deep emotional disturbance caused.

incredibly disappointing

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "soul crushing" to describe events or situations that cause significant emotional pain or despair. For example, "The news of the layoff was soul crushing".

What are some alternatives to "soul crushing"?

Alternatives include "utterly devastating", "deeply disheartening", or "heartbreakingly sad" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "soul crushing" an appropriate phrase to use in formal writing?

Yes, "soul crushing" is appropriate for formal writing when describing experiences that evoke intense emotional responses. However, consider the tone of your piece and whether a more subdued phrase might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "soul crushing" and "disheartening"?

"Soul crushing" implies a deeper, more profound level of despair and emotional pain than "disheartening", which simply suggests a loss of enthusiasm or hope.