wreckage

noun

wreck·​age ˈre-kij 

1

: the act of wrecking : the state of being wrecked

2

a

: something that has been wrecked

b

: broken and disordered parts or material from something wrecked

Synonyms

• annihilation
• decimation
• demolishment
• demolition
• desolation
• destruction
• devastation
• extermination
• extinction
• havoc
• loss
• mincemeat
• obliteration
• ruin
• ruination
• wastage

Examples of wreckage in a Sentence

Workers sifted through the wreckage of the building, searching for bodies.

They cleared the wreckage from the track.

Recent Examples on the Web

But wreckage found in the aftermath of airstrikes and requests to replenish Israel’s stockpiles signal that Israel clearly has stepped up its use of the GBU-39s, several analysts said. —Lara Jakes, New York Times, 8 June 2024

The pilot was extricated from the wreckage and was the only person aboard. —Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 29 May 2024

An Ohio billionaire is planning to take the journey in a submersible down to the Titanic wreckage after OceanGate’s fatal sub implosion. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

While his brother’s body still remains underwater or buried under wreckage, Carlos won’t consider plans for a funeral. —Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

wreckage

noun

wreck·​age ˈrek-ij 

1

a

: the act of wrecking

b

: the state of being wrecked

2

: the remains of a wreck