What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emergency
Example
The hospital staff responded quickly to the emergency situation. [emergency: noun]
Example
In case of an emergency, please call 911. [emergency: adjective]
disaster
Example
The earthquake was a disaster that left many people homeless. [disaster: noun]
Example
The company's decision to cut corners resulted in a disastrous outcome. [disastrous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Emergency is more commonly used than disaster in everyday language since it covers a wide range of situations and contexts. Disaster is less common and is usually reserved for more severe and catastrophic events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emergency and disaster?
Emergency is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while disaster is often associated with more formal or technical language, especially in fields such as emergency management or disaster relief.
