Crippling

Pronunciation varies by accent · verb

Meaning

present participle and gerund of cripple.

Definitions by Sense

1. present participle and gerund of cripple
2. That cripples or incapacitates
3. Causing a severe and insurmountable problem; detrimental.
4. Causing serious injuries, damage, or harm; damaging.
5. The act by which somebody or something is crippled.

Example Sentences

crippling depression

The high cost of capital has a crippling effect on many small firms.

The company, appreciating the crippling affect ^([sic]) that this scheme will have on its activities unless the railway is diverted, has petitioned against the North Wales Hydro-Electric Power Bill at present before the House of Lords.

crippling debt

Today, the world is seeing record-shattering storms in California and catastrophic drought in places like East Africa. But by the 2030s, as temperatures rise, climate hazards are expected to increase all over the globe as different countries face more crippling heat waves, worsening coastal flooding and crop failures, the report says.

Synonyms for crippling

Antonyms for crippling

Related Words

Word Forms

• more crippling
• most crippling
• cripplings

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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