Synonyms for

Crippling

Verb / ˈkrɪpʌlɪŋ / / ˈkrɪplɪŋ / Another word for crippling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing someone or something to become unable to function properly or move normally

Synonyms & similar words

incapacitating stultify lame disabling cripple debilitating paralyzing incapacitating disabling weakening hampering hobbling impairing ruinous devastating ruining destructive damaging harmful detrimental crippled immobilizing enervating weakened

Synonyms by register

Formal

debilitating incapacitating disabling ruinous

Informal

wrecking destroying damaging knocking out

Literary

shattering undermining blighting

Antonyms

strengthening healing mending restoring improving beneficial helpful

Common collocations

  • crippling debt
  • crippling blow
  • crippling injury
  • crippling effect
  • crippling poverty
  • crippling blow to
  • crippling losses

Word family

noun cripple
verb cripple
adjective crippling
adverb cripplingly

Usage note

Often used metaphorically to describe severe negative impacts, such as 'crippling debt' or 'crippling blow'. The literal meaning refers to causing severe physical disability.

Example sentences

  1. The crippling snowstorm made it impossible to drive.
  2. His fear of public speaking was crippling and prevented him from advancing in his career.
  3. The disease left her with a crippling disability.
  4. The economic recession had a crippling effect on small businesses.
  5. The athlete's injury was so crippling that he had to retire from the sport.

Quotes

  • Crippling self-doubt is the only trait that separates successful people from the unsuccessful. - Christina Strigas
  • The worst disability in life is a bad attitude. - SupaNova Slom
  • The only disability in life is a bad attitude. - Scott Hamilton

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