What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crippling
Example
The company's financial losses were crippling and led to massive layoffs. [crippling: adjective]
Example
Her arthritis was so severe that it was crippling her ability to work. [crippling: present participle]
devastating
Example
The news of his sudden death was devastating to his family and friends. [devastating: adjective]
Example
The hurricane was devastating, leaving many people homeless and without basic necessities. [devastating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devastating is more commonly used than crippling in everyday language. Devastating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while crippling is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crippling and devastating?
Both crippling and devastating are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as news reports, academic writing, or legal documents.
