Definitions

catastrophe

[kuh-tas-truh-fee] / kəˈtæs trə fi /

NOUN

calamity; unhappy conclusion

Synonyms

STRONGEST

accident adversity calamity casualty cataclysm crash debacle devastation disaster emergency failure fiasco hardship meltdown misery mishap tragedy trouble wreck

STRONG

affliction alluvion blow contretemps culmination curtains denouement desolation end fatality finale grief havoc ill infliction misadventure mischance misfortune reverse scourge stroke termination trial upshot waterloo

WEAK

bad luck bad news bad thing the worst

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit blessing boon creation favor fortune gain good fortune good luck happiness help joy miracle peace profit prosperity success win wonder

STRONG

beginning birth cause comfort commencement delight luck opening origin start

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The suspected failure of a cooling system, and the introduction of heat to a pressurized tank with MMA, planted the seeds of a potential catastrophe.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

"In music, it's the opposite. We have to get as close as we can to catastrophe."

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Today a large share of monthly spending disappears into medical premiums, deductibles and copayments that produce nothing visible unless catastrophe strikes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

"It's a catastrophe for me because I hate being silent!" she posted on social media.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Some kind of catastrophe had occurred at Hiroshima, but no one knew the details.

From "Bomb" by Steve Sheinkin

Vocabulary lists containing catastrophe

Break It Down: Cata

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words from "The Avengers"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Don't Distress: Words With Irregular Opposites

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!