utterly devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes extreme emotional pain or destruction. Example: "The news of the natural disaster was utterly devastating for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Utterly devastating.

The Guardian - Books

It has been utterly devastating.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was quick, brutal and utterly devastating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Weirdly, and mercifully, ending our marriage was not utterly devastating.

The New York Times

An utterly devastating performance at Madison Square Garden.

The Guardian - Sport

The impact of Grayling's decision has been utterly devastating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity within your writing. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly devastating" to describe minor inconveniences. Reserve it for genuinely significant and impactful events to maintain its weight and emotional resonance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly devastating" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. The adverb "utterly" amplifies the impact of the adjective "devastating", emphasizing the extreme nature of the described event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses a high degree of negativity or destructiveness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly devastating" is a powerful and commonly used expression to describe situations causing extreme distress or destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for formal writing when used accurately, overusing it in mild situations should be avoided. Alternatives like "completely crushing" or "entirely heartbreaking" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Overall, "utterly devastating" is a valuable tool for expressing profound negativity, but should be used judiciously to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating beyond words

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the devastation, making it difficult to articulate.

shatteringly painful

Emphasizes the intense emotional pain and sense of being broken.

entirely heartbreaking

Specifically relates to the emotional pain caused.

profoundly distressing

Focuses on the deep emotional upset caused by the event.

completely crushing

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the devastation.

tragically overwhelming

Combines the sadness and magnitude of the event.

absolutely ruinous

Highlights the destructive consequences.

thoroughly destructive

Underscores the completeness of the destruction.

catastrophically damaging

Highlights the severe and widespread damage inflicted.

totally calamitous

Focuses on the disastrous aspect of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly devastating" to describe something that causes extreme emotional pain or widespread destruction. For example, "The news of the earthquake was "utterly devastating" for the affected families".

What can I say instead of "utterly devastating"?

You can use alternatives like "completely crushing", "entirely heartbreaking", or "devastating beyond words" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly devastating" in formal writing?

Yes, "utterly devastating" is appropriate for formal writing when describing genuinely significant events or situations that cause substantial emotional or physical damage. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the tone.

What's the difference between "utterly devastating" and "very sad"?

"Utterly devastating" describes a situation causing extreme distress or destruction, while "very sad" indicates a milder form of sorrow. The former is far more intense and should be reserved for truly significant events.