Disastrous: meaning, definitions and examples
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disastrous
[dɪˈzɑː.strəs ]
Definitions
events
Causing great damage or harm; catastrophic.
Synonyms
catastrophic, destructive, devastating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disastrous |
Use in situations where the outcome was very unsuccessful or caused a lot of problems. It often refers to events with very negative consequences but doesn't necessarily imply complete destruction.
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| catastrophic |
This word is suitable for describing events that lead to widespread damage and have serious, far-reaching effects. It is usually used for large-scale disasters.
|
| devastating |
Appropriate for situations where the impact is extremely severe and emotionally overwhelming. It is often used to describe both physical destruction and emotional or psychological impacts.
|
| destructive |
Use this when referring to something that causes a lot of damage or ruins something. It is often used in the context of physical damage or the impact of actions or behaviors.
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Examples of usage
- The hurricane had a disastrous impact on the coastal town.
- The oil spill had disastrous consequences for the environment.
results
Extremely unsuccessful or bad.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| disastrous |
Use this word when referring to an event or outcome that caused severe problems or damage. It typically implies that the situation has negative long-term effects.
|
| catastrophic |
This word is used when describing an event that leads to widespread destruction or collapse. It often has a dramatic and intense connotation and can refer to natural or man-made events.
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| devastating |
Use this word to describe an event or situation that has a very harmful impact, causing intense sorrow or emotional pain. It's often used for personal and emotional contexts as well as large-scale disasters.
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Examples of usage
- The company's decision to launch the product early turned out to be disastrous.
- The experiment ended in a disastrous failure.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'disastrous' comes from the Latin 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'astro-' meaning 'star,' suggesting that bad luck from the stars is responsible for terrible events.
- It entered the English language during the late 15th century, reflecting a time when natural events were often blamed on the heavens.
History
- Major historical disasters often lead to significant changes, such as the 1906 San Francisco earthquake that reshaped building codes and urban planning.
- The sinking of the Titanic in 1912 serves as a reminder of how human error can lead to disastrous consequences, influencing maritime safety regulations.
Pop Culture
- Several films, like 'Titanic' and 'Twister,' center around disastrous events, capturing audiences with their dramatic portrayals of catastrophe.
- Famous songs, such as 'Disaster' by JoJo, explore themes of personal crises and heartbreak, connecting emotionally with listeners.
Psychology
- After a disastrous event, individuals often experience a range of emotions, including shock, grief, and anxiety, as they process what happened.
- Looking at how people respond to disasters can help researchers understand resilience and coping strategies in the face of trauma.
Science
- In environmental science, disastrous events like oil spills or earthquakes can have lasting impacts on ecosystems, often causing long-term damage to flora and fauna.
- Natural disasters are studied within the field of geology to improve prediction models, which can save lives by warning populations ahead of time.
Translations
Translations of the word "disastrous" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desastroso
🇮🇳 विनाशकारी
🇩🇪 katastrophal
🇮🇩 bencana
🇺🇦 катастрофічний
🇵🇱 katastrofalny
🇯🇵 災害的な (saigai-teki na)
🇫🇷 désastreux
🇪🇸 desastroso
🇹🇷 felaket
🇰🇷 재앙적인 (jaeangjeog-in)
🇸🇦 كارثي
🇨🇿 katastrofální
🇸🇰 katastrofálny
🇨🇳 灾难性的 (zāinàn xìng de)
🇸🇮 katastrofalen
🇮🇸 hörmulegur
🇰🇿 апатты
🇬🇪 კატასტროფული
🇦🇿 fəlakətli
🇲🇽 desastroso