decimated

[ des-uh-mey-tid ]

adjective

1. greatly reduced in number or amount, or having suffered great loss or harm:

   The nonprofit agency has been struggling with a decimated staff and limited resources.

   After the massive earthquake, the only way to reach the decimated villages was by helicopter.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of decimate ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of decimated¹

decimate ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

For that forest to prosper, many of the pre-existing flora and fauna have been decimated or exiled.

From Salon

They watch helplessly as much of their villages and cities has been decimated by the Israeli military.

From BBC

Their cornerback group has been decimated by injuries with four starters sidelined.

From Los Angeles Times

They are the only workers remaining at the firm that employed nine people before the pandemic decimated their business.

From Los Angeles Times

In response, Israel launched an operation that has decimated the Gaza Strip and displaced some 90% of its population.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• annihilate
• exterminate
• obliterate
• slaughter
• wipe out