this is crushing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is crushing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express feelings of overwhelming disappointment or emotional distress in a situation. Example: "After hearing the news about the project being canceled, I have to say, this is crushing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

This is crushing, and the crowd goes for beers.

The Guardian - Sport

For Deborah [ Mr. Gandolfinis wife] and Michael and Liliana [his children] this is crushing.

The New York Times

But for some content providers, specifically the music streaming services like MOG, Rhapsody, Rdio, etc., this is crushing.

TechCrunch

this is crushing.

Huffington Post

For Deborah and Michael and Liliana this is crushing.

Huffington Post

For [his wife Deborah Lin ]and [children] Michael and Liliana this is crushing.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Limbs may be lighter in victory, but the sense of deflation after this was crushing.

The Guardian - Sport

This was crushing for the Gaels, writes Steve Serby in The New York Post, but particularly sweet for B.Y.U.'s Brandon Davies, who made a personal comeback of his own, writes Zac Jackson on Foxsports.com.com

The New York Times

This was crushed, stored in covered piles, and sold.

The New York Times

There was once a strong democratic unifying force in Iraq, but this was crushed by the CIA-backed Ba'athist coup of 1963, and Saddam's regime.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chester led the expedition in a whaleboat, but this was crushed by the ice within a few miles of Polaris.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is crushing" to express a strong feeling of disappointment, especially when something significant has failed or gone wrong. It's suitable for conveying emotional distress in both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "this is crushing" for minor inconveniences or insignificant problems. Save it for situations that genuinely cause substantial emotional or psychological impact to maintain its effect and sincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is crushing" functions as an expressive statement, conveying a strong emotional reaction to a disappointing or devastating situation. Ludwig provides examples where the phrase is used to describe personal loss, professional setbacks, and sporting defeats, illustrating its role in communicating profound disappointment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is crushing" is a phrase used to express intense disappointment or emotional distress. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is a powerful way to convey significant emotional impact. It is crucial to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that warrant a strong emotional expression. Overusing it in trivial circumstances diminishes its effect. Alternatives like "this is devastating" or "this is heartbreaking" can offer similar emotional weight, while others like "this is deeply disappointing" might be more appropriate for formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is devastating

Replaces "crushing" with "devastating", indicating severe emotional shock and grief.

this is heartbreaking

Substitutes "crushing" with "heartbreaking", emphasizing the emotional pain and sorrow caused by a situation.

this is a crushing defeat

Adds "defeat" to clarify the context as a loss or failure, making it more specific.

this is soul-destroying

Uses "soul-destroying" instead of "crushing", suggesting a profound loss of hope and morale.

this is utterly demoralizing

Replaces "crushing" with "utterly demoralizing", highlighting the loss of confidence and enthusiasm.

this is an utter failure

Replaces "crushing" with "utter failure", focusing on the lack of success and achievement.

this is a major setback

Emphasizes the hindrance or delay caused by a negative event, shifting focus from emotional impact to practical consequences.

this is a bitter blow

Implies a sudden and unwelcome disappointment, akin to a forceful impact.

this is deeply disappointing

Uses "deeply disappointing" instead of "crushing", toning down the intensity while still expressing significant dissatisfaction.

this is a complete letdown

Replaces "crushing" with "complete letdown", indicating a failure to meet expectations.

FAQs

What does "this is crushing" mean?

The phrase "this is crushing" means that something is causing overwhelming disappointment, sadness, or emotional distress. It suggests a significant negative impact on one's feelings or hopes.

How can I use "this is crushing" in a sentence?

You can use "this is crushing" to express your feelings about a disappointing event or situation. For example, "After hearing the news, I have to say, "this is crushing".".

What can I say instead of "this is crushing"?

You can use alternatives like "this is devastating", "this is heartbreaking", or "this is utterly demoralizing" depending on the context.

Is "this is crushing" too dramatic for professional communication?

While "this is crushing" can be used in professional contexts, consider the tone and audience. In more formal settings, phrases like "this is deeply disappointing" or "this is a major setback" may be more appropriate.