Disaster Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disaster

[dɪˈzæstər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

natural events

A sudden event, such as an accident, a natural catastrophe, or a war, that causes great damage or suffering.

Synonyms

calamity, cataclysm, catastrophe, tragedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disaster	Used for any situation where something unfortunate and damaging happens, often involving natural events or accidents, widely applicable for both literal and figurative scenarios. The earthquake was a major disaster that affected thousands. The project was a disaster due to poor planning.
catastrophe	Describes a very serious event causing significant harm or destruction, can refer to both natural and human-caused events, often highlighting the scale of the disaster. The oil spill was an environmental catastrophe. The plane crash was an international catastrophe.
calamity	A more formal term usually describing a large-scale, unexpected event causing significant suffering and damage, often used in historical or literary contexts. The flood was a terrible calamity for the small village. The economic crisis became a national calamity.
tragedy	Highlights the suffering or sorrow resulting from an event, often involving death or serious loss, used for personal losses and dramatic, heart-wrenching events. The sudden death of the young actor was a great tragedy. Losing her entire family in the accident was a personal tragedy.
cataclysm	Refers to a violent and sudden change or upheaval, often of a natural or political nature, with a dramatic impact, typically used in more serious and intense contexts. The region experienced a cataclysm after the volcanic eruption. The revolution was a political cataclysm that changed the country forever.

Examples of usage

The earthquake was a disaster for the city.
The hurricane resulted in a major disaster in the region.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

failure

A complete or very great failure.

Synonyms

debacle, failure, fiasco, flop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
disaster	This is used to describe a sudden event that causes great damage, destruction, or distress. It's often associated with natural catastrophes, but can also refer to other kinds of severe problems. The earthquake was a disaster that left the city in ruins. His first attempt at cooking was a complete disaster; the food was inedible.
failure	A broad term used to indicate the lack of success in achieving a goal or objective. It can apply to anything from minor personal mistakes to large-scale business or project shortcomings. Despite all their efforts, the project ended in failure. She faced her failure with grace and determined to try again.
fiasco	Used to describe a situation that is not only a failure but also chaotic and embarrassing. It often implies a situation that went wrong in a very noticeable and public way. The party planning was a fiasco, with no one showing up and the caterer canceling at the last minute. The play was a fiasco, with actors forgetting their lines and technical failures.
debacle	This term refers to a sudden and humiliating failure. It’s often used in the context of events or situations that fail dramatically or unexpectedly. The company's latest product launch was a total debacle, with technical issues and poor sales. The team's strategy turned into a debacle, leading to their early exit from the tournament.
flop	Commonly used to describe a failure in the entertainment industry, such as a movie, play, book, or show that performs very poorly. The movie was a flop at the box office, earning much less than expected. His latest novel turned into a flop, receiving poor reviews and minimal sales.

Examples of usage

The project was a disaster from start to finish.
The party turned out to be a disaster.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can drastically reshape landscapes in seconds.
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of certain types of disasters, like floods and wildfires.

Psychology

People who experience disasters often develop traumatic memories, which can lead to psychological issues like PTSD.
Community response to disasters can create strong bonds among survivors, sometimes leading to a new sense of purpose.

History

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake, followed by a massive fire, is one of the most destructive disasters in U.S. history, leading to over 3,000 deaths.
The Titanic sinking in 1912 is considered a maritime disaster, which led to significant improvements in safety regulations.

Pop Culture

Films like 'Twister' and 'San Andreas' dramatize natural disasters, showcasing both heroism and destruction.
The term 'disaster movie' has become popular, referring to a genre of films where catastrophic events play a critical role.

Origin of 'disaster'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Italian 'disastro', which combines 'dis-' (bad) and 'astro' (star), as people believed bad luck came from the stars.
It entered English around the 16th century, originally referring to unfortunate celestial events.

The word 'disaster' originated from the Latin word 'disastrum', meaning 'an unfavourable aspect of a star or planet'. The concept of disaster as a catastrophic event causing harm or damage has been present throughout history, with various natural disasters and human-made disasters shaping the understanding of the term. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a wide range of events that result in significant negative consequences.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,267, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4264 restore
4265 presumably
4266 delight
4267 disaster
4268 ample
4269 priests
4270 coordination
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