devastating
/ˈdɛvəsteɪtɪŋ
/adjective
1Highly destructive or damaging: a devastating cyclone...
- This could cripple California's economy and have a more devastating effect than damaging a few warships.
- The Cook Islands has helped Niue in other ways since the devastating cyclone struck the island early in January.
- Sixty-five million years ago an asteroid struck the Earth with devastating environmental effect.
Synonyms
destructive, ruinous, disastrous, catastrophic, calamitous, cataclysmic;
pernicious, noxious, harmful, damaging, injurious, hurtful, wounding, violent, detrimental, deleterious, disadvantageous, ravaging, crippling, savage, fierce, brutal, dangerous, fatal, deadly, lethal, death-dealing
1.1Causing severe shock, distress, or grief: the news came as a devastating blow...
- To lose him so young, so suddenly and in such a savage way is a devastating shock to our family.
- His death at such an early age has caused widespread grief and has been a devastating shock to his family.
- The couple married in 2002 after their original wedding plans were shattered because of the devastating blow to Louise's health.
Synonyms
shattering, shocking, traumatic, overwhelming, crushing, extremely upsetting, distressing, severe, savage, terrible, very great
informal gut-wrenching
1.2 informal Extremely impressive or effective: she had a devastating wit...
- The finish was simple, effective and devastating.
- The results were devastating and impressive to say the least.
- But what makes him most effective is a devastating slider, which he uses effectively against righthanders.
Synonyms
gorgeous, stunning, glamorous, dazzling, ravishing, striking, beautiful, lovely, captivating, bewitching, beguiling, engaging, charming, charismatic, enchanting, appealing, arresting, delightful, irresistible, desirable, luscious, sexy, sexually attractive, seductive, alluring
informal fanciable, beddable, tasty, hot, smashing, knockout, drop-dead gorgeous, out of this world, easy on the eye
British informal fit
North American informal cute, foxy
Australian/New Zealand informal spunky
literary beauteous
archaic taking, well favoured, comely, fair
rare sightly, pulchritudinous
incisive, highly effective, penetrating, cutting, mordant, trenchant;
withering, blistering, searing, scathing, scorching, fierce, ferocious, savage, severe, stinging, biting, virulent, caustic, vitriolic, scornful, sharp, bitter, acid, harsh, unsparing
rare mordacious