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Calamitous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ฅ
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calamitous

[หŒkรฆlษ™หˆmษชtษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

disastrous events

Causing great harm or suffering; disastrous. Involving calamity; catastrophic. Marked by great misfortune; disastrous or harmful.

Synonyms

catastrophic, devastating, disastrous, ruinous, tragic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calamitous

Used to describe an event or situation that causes great harm, suffering, or damage.

  • The calamitous earthquake left the city in ruins
  • The decision had calamitous consequences for the company
disastrous

Describes an outcome that results in severe destruction or misfortune, often due to a combination of factors.

  • The storm was disastrous for the coastal towns
  • The team's lack of preparation led to a disastrous performance
catastrophic

Generally refers to a sudden, disastrous event that has significant negative effects, often on a large scale.

  • The oil spill had catastrophic effects on the marine ecosystem
  • The loss of power during the storm was catastrophic for the hospital
tragic

Often used to describe something sorrowful and regrettable, particularly an event that involves death or great loss.

  • The tragic accident claimed many lives
  • Her passing was a tragic loss for the community
devastating

Commonly used to express extreme damage or emotional pain, either physically or metaphorically.

  • The news of his friend's death was devastating
  • The wildfire was devastating to the entire region
ruinous

Used when referring to something that can cause financial ruin or that results in major loss and irreversible harm.

  • The ruinous investments left the family bankrupt
  • The war had a ruinous impact on the country's economy

Examples of usage

  • The town was struck by a calamitous earthquake.
  • The decision had calamitous consequences for the company.
  • The team's performance in the final match was calamitous.
  • His calamitous mistake cost them the game.
  • The calamitous fire destroyed the entire neighborhood.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Events

  • The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 was deemed calamitous as it destroyed large parts of the city and changed firefighting regulations forever.
  • World War I is often described as calamitous due to the immense loss of life and shifts in global power dynamics it caused.
  • Natural disasters, like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, are labeled calamitous as they resulted in massive human suffering and loss.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, calamities often serve as pivotal moments underscoring tragedy and misfortune, particularly in 'Macbeth.'
  • Charles Dickens frequently depicted calamitous events that highlighted societal issues, like in 'Oliver Twist' where the orphan's struggles reflect societal calamities.
  • The term is also employed in poetry, where it evokes strong imagery of devastation and despair, enhancing emotional impact.

Environment

  • Climate change is often described as leading to calamitous scenarios, such as intense storms, floods, and droughts, affecting millions worldwide.
  • Deforestation contributes to calamitous outcomes for biodiversity, causing extinction and loss of habitats.
  • Pollution disasters, like oil spills, produce calamitous effects on marine life and human communities, generating extensive cleanup efforts.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a calamitous event can lead to trauma, influencing mental health and requiring intervention.
  • Cognitive biases can distort perceptions of calamity, where individuals may focus only on the negative aspects, known as 'catastrophizing.'
  • Resilience can be built in response to calamitous experiences, where individuals learn coping strategies and adapt positively over time.

Origin of 'calamitous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'calamitosus,' which means 'full of calamity.'
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, illustrating the longstanding nature of disasters in human history.
  • The root 'calamity' comes from 'calamus,' which means 'a stalk' or 'pen,' hinting at something that can be brokenโ€”like life during disasters.

The word 'calamitous' originated from the late Latin word 'calamitosus', which means 'disastrous'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe events or situations that are causing great harm or suffering. Over the years, 'calamitous' has been commonly used in literature and everyday language to emphasize the severity of a disaster or misfortune.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,352, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.