What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
catastrophic
Example
The earthquake had a catastrophic effect on the city, leaving thousands homeless. [catastrophic: adjective]
Example
The failure of the company's new product was catastrophic for their financial stability. [catastrophic: adjective]
disastrous
Example
The storm had disastrous effects on the coastal town, causing extensive flooding. [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 catastrophic in everyday language. Disastrous is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, while catastrophic is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between catastrophic and disastrous?
While both catastrophic and disastrous can be used in formal and informal contexts, catastrophic may have a slightly more formal tone due to its association with larger-scale events or situations.
