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.

Around him, his classmates listened intently as Gareth talked about how a seemingly normal school day turned into a catastrophe within seconds.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

He called for a "swift response", including strengthening the capacity of staff to prevent Ituri "from descending into 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

If Spielberg’s earlier UFO movies gave us awe, comfort and catastrophe, this one feels like an encounter of a fourth kind: What happens when the cover story breaks?

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

Unfortunately, though Planck’s formula was correct, its repercussions were more troubling than the ultraviolet catastrophe it solved.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

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"

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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!