Doomsday: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to refer to a day or time when disaster or terrible events are forecasted or expected to occur. It often has a general, dramatic tone rather than a specific religious or cultural implication.

• The media kept broadcasting doomsday scenarios about the effects of climate change.
• She prepared a doomsday kit containing food and supplies for emergencies.

Often refers to an event involving destruction or disaster of global proportions. It can be used in both religious and secular contexts and is more likely to evoke end-of-the-world scenarios.

• Many people feared an apocalypse as the supervolcano showed signs of erupting.
• The movie depicts an apocalypse brought about by a zombie outbreak.

Specifically refers to the final battle between good and evil at the end of the world, according to Christian eschatology. Also used metaphorically for any catastrophic event that seems like a final, decisive confrontation.

• The book of Revelation describes Armageddon as the end of the world.
• The company was preparing for financial Armageddon due to the unprecedented market crash.

Primarily used in religious contexts to denote the final period of the world's history prior to the ultimate judgment or destruction as described in various religious texts.

• Many believers think we are living in the end times due to the increase in natural disasters.
• The preacher spoke about the end times and urged people to repent.

Use in discussions about the end of the world or final judgment, often with a sense of inevitability. It can also be used metaphorically for extreme negative predictions.

• People have been talking about doomsday scenarios regarding climate change.
• He felt like doomsday was upon him after losing his job.

Refers to a very bad event causing significant damage or suffering. It's often used in contexts like natural disasters, financial collapses, or large-scale tragedies.

• The earthquake was a major catastrophe for the region.
• If this company collapses, it would be a financial catastrophe.

Describes a sudden, unfortunate event causing great damage. It's used for both small and large-scale events, including personal troubles or natural calamities.

• The flood was a disaster for the entire community.
• The event turned into a disaster due to poor planning.

Refers to the state of being destroyed or severely damaged, often used for financial downfall, personal failure, or extensive physical damage. It has a negative connotation.

• The economic crisis led to the ruin of many businesses.
• He drank himself into ruin.