wreckage
word
Definition
The broken remains of something that has been severely damaged or destroyed, such as a vehicle, building, or ship. Also used figuratively for the ruins of relationships, careers, or plans.
Usage & Nuances
'Wreckage' is uncountable — you say 'pieces of wreckage', not 'wreckages'. Common collocations: plane/car/train wreckage, sift through the wreckage, emotional wreckage. Stronger than 'debris' — implies violent destruction.
Example Sentences
After the scandal, all that was left of his career was wreckage.
natural
The rescue team searched through the wreckage for survivors.
basic
Pieces of wreckage were found floating in the ocean.
basic
The storm left a trail of wreckage across the town.
basic
He spent years picking up the emotional wreckage of his parents' divorce.
natural
Investigators are still trying to piece together what happened from the wreckage of the plane.
natural