What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ransacked
Example
The burglars ransacked the house looking for valuables. [ransacked: verb]
Example
The room was completely ransacked, with clothes and papers strewn everywhere. [ransacked: adjective]
looted
Example
During the riots, the stores were looted and vandalized. [looted: verb]
Example
The museum was looted during the war, and many priceless artifacts were stolen. [looted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Looted is more commonly used than ransacked in everyday language, especially in the context of criminal activity or times of unrest. Ransacked is less common and is typically used to describe a more organized search for something specific.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ransacked and looted?
Both ransacked and looted are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, looted has a stronger negative connotation and is more associated with criminal activity, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
