What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shattered
Example
The vase fell off the table and shattered into a million pieces. [shattered: verb]
Example
She was shattered by the news of her father's death. [shattered: adjective]
Example
His dreams of becoming a professional athlete were shattered when he injured his knee. [shattered: past participle]
devastated
Example
She was devastated when she found out her house had been destroyed in the hurricane. [devastated: adjective]
Example
The earthquake devastated the entire city, leaving thousands homeless. [devastated: verb]
Example
The company was devastated by the scandal, losing millions of dollars in revenue. [devastated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devastated is more commonly used than shattered in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used to describe a wider range of events and emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shattered and devastated?
Both shattered and devastated can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but devastated may be considered slightly more formal due to its broader usage and stronger emotional connotations.
