What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crippling
Example
The company suffered a crippling blow after losing its major investor. [crippling: adjective]
Example
Her anxiety was so crippling that she couldn't leave the house. [crippling: gerund or present participle]
debilitating
Example
The athlete's knee injury was debilitating and forced him to retire. [debilitating: adjective]
Example
The stress of her job was so debilitating that she had to take a leave of absence. [debilitating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Debilitating is more commonly used than crippling in everyday language, especially in medical or clinical contexts. Crippling is less common and often used in a figurative sense to describe a severe setback or obstacle.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crippling and debilitating?
Both crippling and debilitating are formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, debilitating may be more commonly used in medical or clinical settings, which may make it sound more formal.
