devastating
[adjective]
Synonyms: overwhelming, cutting, overpowering, savage, trenchant, vitriolic, withering

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

dev‧a‧stat‧ing /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/ adjective

1. badly damaging or destroying something
devastating effect/impact
Acid rain has a devastating effect on the forest.
devastating results/consequences
The oil spill had devastating consequences for wildlife.
It will be a devastating blow for the town if the factory closes.

2. making someone feel extremely sad or shocked:
He was in Nice when he heard the devastating news.
Long-term unemployment can be devastating.

3. very impressive or effective:
In a devastating display of military muscle, soldiers seized the town.

4. literary extremely attractive:
a devastating smile
—devastatingly adverb:
a devastatingly attractive man

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

devastating

a devastating effect/impact
The recession has had a devastating impact on employment in this area.
devastating consequences/results
a terrible disease with devastating results
a devastating flood/fire/earthquake etc
The country is still recovering from last year's devastating floods.
a devastating disease/illness
Cheaper medicines are needed to fight Aids and other devastating diseases.
a devastating war
It will take a long time for the region to recover from such a devastating war.
a devastating blow (=a devastating action or event )
When a huge car bomb exploded, it was a devastating blow to the peace plan.
a devastating defeat
The party suffered a devastating defeat in the local election.

[TahlilGaran] Collocations Dictionary ▲