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Synonyms for

Catastrophic

Adjective / ˌkætʌˈstrɑ:fɪk / Another word for catastrophic — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

causing great damage or suffering; disastrous

Synonyms & similar words

ruinous disastrous devastating tragic calamitous cataclysmic ruinous destructive catastrophal apocalyptic cataclysmal cataclysmical catastrophous dire fatal fateful grievous catastrophe cataclysm

Synonyms by register

Formal

disastrous devastating calamitous ruinous

Informal

awful terrible horrible a disaster

Literary

apocalyptic Doomsday Armageddon

Antonyms

beneficial fortunate successful helpful mild minor slight

Common collocations

  • catastrophic event
  • catastrophic failure
  • catastrophic consequences
  • catastrophic damage
  • catastrophic loss
  • catastrophic decline
  • catastrophic impact

Word family

noun catastrophe
adverb catastrophically

Usage note

This word implies a sudden and overwhelming disaster. It is often used to describe events with widespread negative effects, such as economic collapse or natural disasters.

Compare "catastrophic" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The hurricane was catastrophic for the small island.
  2. The oil spill had a catastrophic impact on the environment.
  3. The stock market crash was a catastrophic event for many people.
  4. The war had catastrophic consequences for both sides.
  5. The disease had a catastrophic effect on the population.

Quotes

  • The catastrophic consequences of climate change are already being felt around the world.
  • The catastrophic failure of the dam caused widespread flooding.
  • The catastrophic earthquake left many people homeless.

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