1.
If you describe something such as a loss as ~, you mean that it is extremely serious or worrying in its effects.
Their loss would be a ~ blow to our engineering industries...
Mr Morris said the victims had suffered from a very ~ mistake.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
Birds, sea-life and the coastline all suffered ~ly.
ADV: ADV with v
2.
A ~ injury to your body is one that causes you great pain and suffering.
He survived in spite of suffering ~ injuries.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
Nelson Piquet, three times world champion, was ~ly injured.
ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj