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 scope of the catastrophe quickly overwhelmed a country of 28 million battered by years of economic crisis and political tumult.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

US President Donald Trump, who signed the deal in France during the G7 summit, defended the proposal, saying it would it would stave off an "economic catastrophe".

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

In essence, the threat of global catastrophe has never been higher.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2026

In Ahmedabad, another question lingers: what happens to a place after a catastrophe becomes part of its daily life?

From BBC • Jun. 7, 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"

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!