Definitions

disastrous

[dih-zas-truhs, -zah-struhs] / dɪˈzæs trəs, -ˈzɑ strəs /

ADJECTIVE

detrimental, devastating

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse calamitous cataclysmic catastrophic destructive dire dreadful fatal fateful harmful ill-fated ruinous terrible tragic unfavorable unfortunate

WEAK

cataclysmal hapless ill-starred luckless unlucky unpropitious untoward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantageous aiding assisting blessed favorable fortunate good happy healthful helpful life-giving lucky nice trivial unimportant wonderful

WEAK

miraculous prosperous successful triumphant winning wondrous

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.

A previous commission candidate dropped out of the running after a disastrous hearing before the council.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

While holding 22% of your assets in cash seems like a lot, it’s far from disastrous.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Approval would mean avoiding a repeat of disastrous 2023 strikes that shuttered productions, costing studios billions of dollars, while actors stood their ground against AI and other issues.

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

The UK, however, continued its run of disastrous results.

From BBC • May 17, 2026

I am now more conscious of my disastrous hair and ugly blue-flower dress.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Vocabulary lists containing disastrous

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