wipe out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wipe out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean "to erase, to remove, to obliterate, or to destroy completely." For example, "The floods wiped out the entire village."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Negativity will wipe out innovation.

The New York Times

Infections wipe out hospital profits.

The New York Times

Most wipe out while trying.

The New York Times - Arts

Chemotherapy can wipe out the biggest appetite.

The New York Times

Bankruptcy can wipe out some debt.

The New York Times

That would wipe out our house.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

That is a wipe-out.

The Guardian

Labour is facing "annihilation", "wipe-out", "meltdown".

The Guardian - Opinion

Shareholders are now staring at wipe-out.

The Guardian - Business

"It won't be a wipe-out.

Huffington Post

"When you wipe out, don't panic.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify what is being wiped out, like "wipe out debts" or "wipe out the competition".

Common error

Avoid using "wipe out" when the intention is to merely reduce or lessen something. The phrase implies complete removal or destruction, not just a decrease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wipe out" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "wipe" with the particle "out" to create a new meaning, signifying complete removal, destruction, or obliteration. As Ludwig AI explains, it's used to describe something being completely erased or destroyed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "wipe out" is a versatile term that signifies complete removal, destruction, or obliteration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's frequently encountered in news and media, academic writing, and even informal contexts like sports. While generally neutral in tone, its impact is strong, emphasizing the thoroughness of an action. When writing, be sure the context matches the complete nature of the phrase and consider less common but more formal alternatives like "eliminate" or "eradicate" for specific audiences. Overall, "wipe out" is a common and useful phrase, so "wipe out" any doubt and add it to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eradicate

Focuses on complete destruction or removal, similar to eliminating something entirely.

obliterate

Emphasizes complete destruction to the point where nothing remains.

eliminate

Suggests a more strategic or selective removal of something.

annihilate

Implies a forceful and complete destruction, often in a competitive or combative context.

destroy

A general term for ruining or ending something.

erase

Focuses on removing traces or marks, often in a literal sense but can be metaphorical.

cancel out

Implies that two opposing forces neutralize each other.

nullify

Means to make something invalid or without legal force.

invalidate

Similar to nullify, but often used in a formal or legal context.

defeat decisively

Implies a clear and overwhelming victory that effectively ends the opponent's chances.

FAQs

How can I use "wipe out" in a sentence?

You can use "wipe out" to describe complete destruction or removal. For example, "The hurricane "wiped out" the coastal town" or "The new policy will "wipe out" any remaining doubts".

What are some alternatives to "wipe out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "eradicate", "obliterate", "eliminate", or "destroy".

Is it appropriate to use "wipe out" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "wipe out" might be considered less formal than alternatives like "eliminate" or "eradicate". Consider the context and audience when choosing your words.

What does "wipe out" mean in the context of surfing or skateboarding?

In surfing or skateboarding, "wipe out" refers to falling off the board, especially in a dramatic or uncontrolled manner. It's a more specific, sports-related usage of the phrase.