utterly devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

"utterly devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of complete distress or despair. For example, "After finding out the truth, she was utterly devastated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Utterly devastated.

Independent

"I am completely and utterly devastated.

The New York Times

Every one of us is completely and utterly devastated".

Independent

Sorensen himself was utterly devastated by Kennedy's death.

The Guardian

I'm utterly devastated to hear the sad news.

The Guardian - Sport

"This is a valley that has been completely and utterly devastated," Bligh said.

Independent

Jasmine's father, Simon Forrester, said the family was "utterly devastated" by her death.

The Times

Mrs Graves, 46, said the family was "utterly devastated" by the tragedy.

The Guardian

"We are all utterly devastated by the tragic news which we received today.

The Guardian

Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah.

The Guardian

'We are completely and utterly devastated he said from the family home in Farnworth, Greater Manchester.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utterly devastated", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the devastation to maximize the emotional impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly devastated" for trivial disappointments. Save it for situations involving genuine and profound loss or trauma to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly devastated" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of profound emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly devastated" is a grammatically sound and very common adjectival phrase used to express profound emotional distress. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. When writing, remember to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant such a strong emotional descriptor to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "totally heartbroken" or "completely crushed" depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly heartbroken

Synonymous with "utterly devastated", but emphasizes the pain in one's heart.

totally heartbroken

Focuses on the emotional pain related to loss or disappointment.

absolutely shattered

Suggests a more fragmented and irreparable state of emotional damage.

completely crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being emotionally broken.

inconsolably sad

Highlights the inability to find comfort or relief from sadness.

deeply grieved

Implies a profound sense of sorrow, often associated with mourning.

extremely distressed

Indicates a high level of anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

bitterly disappointed

Highlights the feeling of frustration and sadness caused by unfulfilled expectations.

profoundly affected

Indicates a deep emotional or psychological impact.

singularly saddened

Emphasizes the unique and overwhelming feeling of sorrow.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly devastated" in a sentence?

Use "utterly devastated" to describe a state of complete emotional ruin. For example: "She was "utterly devastated" by the news of her friend's accident."

What are some alternatives to "utterly devastated"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "totally heartbroken", "completely crushed", or "absolutely shattered".

Is it better to say "utterly devastated" or "completely devastated"?

Both "utterly devastated" and "completely devastated" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Utterly" might suggest a slightly deeper or more profound sense of devastation.

What's the difference between "utterly devastated" and "slightly disappointed"?

"Utterly devastated" describes an extreme emotional reaction to a significant loss or tragedy, while "slightly disappointed" indicates a mild feeling of dissatisfaction. They are on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum.