English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
"Decimation" vs. "annihilation": parsing the power in language
Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 12:57English.me team member
What is similar?
Both terms refer to destruction or reduction of something, often applied in contexts of warfare or catastrophes.
What is different?
Decimation originally meant reducing by a tenth, but now it often implies severe damage. Annihilation means complete destruction or obliteration.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Decimation- The wildlife population suffered decimation due to the forest fires.
- The economic sanctions led to the decimation of local businesses.
- The town faced total annihilation after the devastating bomb attack.
- The concept of nuclear war brings fears of global annihilation.
Recommended posts in 
Difference
"Model" vs. "prototype": designing the blueprint of ideas
A "model" can refer to either a conceptual representation, often ... Learn more →
Slim distinctions: comparing "slender" and "svelte"
Slender is a more general term often used to describe ... Learn more →
Resolute reflections: "unwavering" vs. "unyielding"
While both words convey firmness, "unwavering" often implies a steadiness ... Learn more →
"Interstate" vs. "highway": navigating the linguistic crossroads
"Interstate" specifically refers to a type of highway system in ... Learn more →