this is devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is devastating" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it in a variety of contexts when describing something overwhelmingly negative and unexpected. For example, "The doctor gave them the news that their son had cancer; this was devastating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"This is devastating for us".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is devastating.

The New York Times

This is devastating for everybody".

The New York Times

"This is devastating for me".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is devastating to many retailers.

The New York Times

This is devastating to the average Iranian's pocketbook — and pride.

The New York Times

"This is devastating for all of us here".

The New York Times

Hunt told BBC News: "This is devastating news for patients.

The Guardian

And this is devastating to me, and to her.

The Guardian

An F.B.I. official told Fox News, "This is devastating to the organization.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

For a person of any age — but especially for a child — this is devastating.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is devastating" to express a strong emotional reaction to overwhelmingly negative or shocking news. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "this is devastating" for minor inconveniences or disappointments. Overusing strong language diminishes its impact when you need to convey truly significant emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is devastating" functions as an exclamatory statement expressing strong emotional reaction to an event or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It conveys a sense of shock, sadness, or dismay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is devastating" is a versatile phrase used to express profound emotional distress, shock, or dismay. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's appropriate for expressing strong feelings, it's essential to reserve its use for situations of genuine significance to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives such as "this is tragic" or "this is catastrophic" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is devastating news

More directly indicates the information received is causing widespread shock or upset.

this is calamitous

Emphasizes the disastrous and ruinous nature of the situation, suggesting wide-scale negative consequences.

this is crushing

Focuses on the overwhelming emotional impact, indicating a sense of being defeated or deeply saddened.

this is catastrophic

Highlights the scale and severity of the event, suggesting a major and widespread disaster.

this is ruinous

Stresses the destructive consequences, implying lasting damage or irreversible harm.

this is utterly shattering

Emphasizes the complete and total destruction of emotional or physical well-being, suggesting a profound impact.

this is tragic

Underscores the sadness and loss associated with the event, often implying a sense of human suffering.

this is heartbreaking

Focuses on the intense emotional pain and sorrow caused by the situation.

this is appalling

Expresses strong disapproval and shock, emphasizing the offensive or morally wrong nature of the event.

this is dreadful

Conveys a sense of extreme unpleasantness or poor quality, often used to describe something very bad.

FAQs

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

Use "this is devastating" to express a strong feeling of shock or dismay after receiving negative news or witnessing a destructive event. For example, "The news of the factory closing; "this is devastating" for the whole town".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is devastating"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "this is tragic", "this is catastrophic", or "this is heartbreaking" to express similar sentiments.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is devastating"?

The phrase "this is devastating" is best used when describing situations that cause significant emotional distress, widespread damage, or a profound negative impact on individuals or communities. Ensure the gravity of the situation warrants such a strong expression.

Is "this is devastating news" the same as "this is devastating"?

"This is devastating news" is a more specific way to phrase it, explicitly indicating that the information received is the cause of the devastation. "This is devastating" can refer to a situation or event more broadly.