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.

The deal went down as one of the most disastrous corporate mergers, as the cultures clashed and AOL’s online-ad business deteriorated, a harbinger of the dot-com bust.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The most notorious example of a disastrous reassignment may be that of Steven Thomas Rooney, which came to light in 2008.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

"We must all do what it takes to reverse this disastrous trend," he added.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Finally they’ll examine the utility of corporate merch, such as Palantir’s french chore coat, and company retreats, like the Plex’s disastrous Survivor-themed getaway.

From Slate • May 2, 2026

Neither Ron nor Hermione was at all sympathetic when Harry told them of this disastrous interview.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

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