ødelagt

Ødelagt is a Danish adjective meaning damaged, ruined, or destroyed. It is used to describe objects, structures, equipment, or conditions that have lost function or value and cannot be easily repaired. The term can also be applied figuratively to plans, systems, or reputations that have been rendered unusable or ineffective.

Etymology: Ødelagt is the past participle of the verb ødelægge, meaning “to ruin.” It shares its root with related forms in other Scandinavian languages. The word carries a stronger sense of irreparable damage than some synonyms.

Usage: In everyday language, ødelagt often implies significant or complete damage. It contrasts with skadet (damaged) when damage is partial or reversible. In technical or insurance contexts, ødelagt may indicate total loss or damage beyond repair, guiding decisions about repair, replacement, or compensation.

Examples: The car was ødelagt after the crash. The phone screen is ødelagt and cannot be repaired easily. After the storm, several houses were ødelagt, requiring major reconstruction.