Wreck

A wreck is a state of severe damage or ruin. It can describe physical objects, such as a vehicle or building, that are severely damaged or destroyed, rendering them unusable or beyond repair. Furthermore, 'wreck' can be applied figuratively to describe the state of a person or their life experiencing great physical or emotional distress, characterized by chaos, failure, or complete disarray. The term highlights loss, devastation, and often the aftermath of a significant negative event. It signifies an irreparable condition or a state of utter collapse, both literally and metaphorically. The term implies a finality to the state or the damage suffered.

Wreck meaning with examples

• The car was a mangled wreck after the high-speed collision. The metal frame was twisted beyond recognition, the windows shattered, and the engine completely destroyed. There was no hope of salvage, and the insurance company immediately declared it a total loss, a useless pile of twisted metal and broken glass. The accident had transformed the once pristine vehicle into a complete and utter wreck.
• After years of poor financial decisions, his business was a financial wreck. He had accumulated massive debts, lost all his investors, and was facing bankruptcy. The company’s once vibrant operations were now in a shambles. The failure of the company was a direct result of the poor decisions, transforming the business from a successful company into a massive wreck.
• The hurricane left the coastal town a wreck, with homes and businesses reduced to rubble. The powerful winds and surging floodwaters had caused widespread destruction. Homes were reduced to splinters. The once thriving tourist area was now a wasteland, representing complete devastation and destruction. This was a human and environmental wreck that would take years to recover from.
• Consumed by grief and addiction, she was a total emotional wreck. She was struggling to cope with the death of her spouse, and had isolated herself from friends and family. She was a pale imitation of her former self, haunted by feelings of failure. This trauma, in combination with her addiction, turned her into a complete and utter emotional wreck.
• The ship was a shipwreck and a naval wreck after it ran aground on the reef.