devastating
Americanadjective
-
tending or threatening to devastate.
a devastating fire.
-
satirical, ironic, or caustic in an effective way.
a devastating portrayal of society.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- devastatingly adverb
- undevastating adjective
- undevastatingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of devastating
First recorded in 1625–35; devastat(e) + -ing 2
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He warned that the long-term health consequences of the pollution are "devastating".
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
Against Spurs, Russo showcased the full range of her striking skillset to devastating effect.
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
The full gamut of emotions synonymous with do-or-die international football was on display as the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream was left in ruins following a devastating penalty shootout defeat by the Czech Republic.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
As handled by Ms. Littman, it’s matter-of-fact, a fate that lands with a plain, inarguable thud, and devastating all the same.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
The U.S. government struck back by imposing a trade embargo on Cuba, blocking the sale of Cuban sugar in the United States—a devastating blow to Cuba’s economy.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
