decimation Definition
- 1the killing or destruction of a large proportion of a group or population
- 2a drastic reduction in the strength or effectiveness of something
Using decimation: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "decimation" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The decimation of the elephant population is a major concern for conservationists.
Example
The company's profits suffered a decimation due to the economic downturn.
Example
The plague caused the decimation of Europe's population in the 14th century.
decimation Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for decimation
- annihilation
- devastation
- elimination
- massacre
- slaughter
Phrases with decimation
the reduction of a workforce by one-tenth, often used in a military context
Example
The company announced the decimation of its workforce, leaving many employees without jobs.
decimation of a team
the removal of one-tenth of a team's members, often used in a sports context
Example
The coach announced the decimation of the team, cutting ten players from the roster.
a drastic reduction of a budget by one-tenth, often used in a financial context
Example
The government announced the decimation of the education budget, leading to widespread protests.
Origins of decimation
from Latin 'decimare', meaning 'to take a tenth'
Summary: decimation in Brief
The term 'decimation' [ˌdɛsɪˈmeɪʃ(ə)n] refers to the killing or destruction of a large proportion of a group or population, as well as a drastic reduction in the strength or effectiveness of something. It can be used in various contexts, such as the decimation of the elephant population or the decimation of a company's profits. The phrase 'decimation of a workforce' is often used in a military context, while 'decimation of a team' and 'decimation of a budget' are used in sports and financial contexts, respectively.
