What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deadly
Example
The snake's venom is deadly and can kill within minutes. [deadly: adjective]
Example
The driver was involved in a deadly car accident on the highway. [deadly: adjective]
fatal
Example
The patient suffered fatal injuries in the car crash. [fatal: adjective]
Example
The disease proved to be fatal despite all efforts to save the patient. [fatal: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fatal is more commonly used than deadly in everyday language, especially in medical and legal contexts. Deadly is less common and often used in more dramatic or sensational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deadly and fatal?
Both deadly and fatal are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as medical reports, news articles, or legal documents.
