devastating

[ dev-uh-stey-ting ]

adjective

1. tending or threatening to devastate:

   a devastating fire.

2. satirical, ironic, or caustic in an effective way:

   a devastating portrayal of society.

devastating

/ ˈdɛvəˌsteɪtɪŋ /

adjective

1. extremely effective in a destructive way

   a devastating report on urban deprivation

   a devastating war

Derived Forms

• ˈdevasˌtatingly, adverb

Other Words From

• devas·tating·ly adverb
• un·devas·tating adjective
• un·devas·tating·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastating¹

First recorded in 1625–35; devastat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

This can be dangerous, as extreme rain events, such as those recently witnessed in Spain that resulted in a devastating death toll, are rising due to climate change.

From Science Daily

The effect on field workers can also be devastating.

From Los Angeles Times

Showing a humbleness which motivates others was illustrated off court when, in 2018, he led from the front to help his home island of Mallorca recover from devastating flash flooding.

From BBC

But the disease still had a devastating effect on her life.

From BBC

Hurricanes, or tropical cyclones, can be devastating natural disasters, leveling entire cities and claiming hundreds or thousands of lives.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• calamitous
• destructive
• disastrous
• overwhelming