decimated
adjective
dec·i·mat·ed
ˈde-sə-ˌmā-təd 
1
: drastically reduced especially in number
… the decimated population of Atlantic salmon that once gamboled in dozens of rivers in the northeastern United States …—
Pete Bodo
Pete BodoA denuded forest may one day regrow; the decimated culture that called it home sadly will not.—Stephen Messenger
Stephen Messenger2
: destroyed or significantly harmed
… its dusty streets, scattered with burned out vehicles and flanked on either side by decimated buildings.—Jay Akbar
Jay AkbarMany workers may want to delay retirement to replenish decimated 401(k) portfolios …—Emily Brandon
Emily BrandonCan we take as governor a man who'd give $46 million in public money to a bottling lobby, instead of using it to salvage decimated public programs?—David Nyhan
see also decimate
David NyhanExamples of decimated in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In Greenland 2, the surviving Garrity family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated frozen wasteland of Europe to find a new home.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
In the press release, the fire department shared photos of the scene, which show the back of the U-Haul entirely decimated with debris littered across the ground and into the surrounding trees.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Wu’s arrogant approach to the budget, saying there are no possible cuts to be made and taxes must be increased on the decimated commercial property industry instead, is irresponsible.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
That is weaker than a 2023 Florida State team that had a better gripe playing with a decimated roster after opt-outs against a Georgia team that was bought in even after falling out of the playoff with one loss in the SEC championship game.
—Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimated
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
In the press release, the fire department shared photos of the scene, which show the back of the U-Haul entirely decimated with debris littered across the ground and into the surrounding trees.
—Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Wu’s arrogant approach to the budget, saying there are no possible cuts to be made and taxes must be increased on the decimated commercial property industry instead, is irresponsible.
—Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 11 Dec. 2025
That is weaker than a 2023 Florida State team that had a better gripe playing with a decimated roster after opt-outs against a Georgia team that was bought in even after falling out of the playoff with one loss in the SEC championship game.
—Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for decimated
Cite this Entry
“Decimated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decimated. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
