What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calamitous
Example
The earthquake had a calamitous impact on the city, leaving thousands homeless. [calamitous: adjective]
Example
The company's decision to cut costs had calamitous effects on its employees, leading to massive layoffs. [calamitous: plural noun]
disastrous
Example
The hurricane had a disastrous impact on the coastal town, destroying homes and infrastructure. [disastrous: adjective]
Example
The team's performance in the game was disastrous, resulting in a humiliating defeat. [disastrous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disastrous is more commonly used than calamitous in everyday language. Disastrous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while calamitous is less common and tends to be used in more formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calamitous and disastrous?
While calamitous is typically associated with a more formal tone, disastrous can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.
