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Calamitous: meaning, definitions and examples

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calamitous

 

[ˌkæləˈmɪtəs ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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 broken—like life during disasters.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "calamitous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calamitoso

🇮🇳 विनाशकारी

🇩🇪 verhängnisvoll

🇮🇩 malapetaka

🇺🇦 катастрофічний

🇵🇱 katastrofalny

🇯🇵 災害を引き起こす

🇫🇷 calamiteux

🇪🇸 calamitoso

🇹🇷 felaket

🇰🇷 재앙의

🇸🇦 كارثي

🇨🇿 katastrofální

🇸🇰 katastrofálny

🇨🇳 灾难性的

🇸🇮 katastrofalen

🇮🇸 hamfarakenndur

🇰🇿 апатты

🇬🇪 კატასტროფული

🇦🇿 fəlakətli

🇲🇽 calamitoso

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.