What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meltdown
Example
After the team lost the game, the coach had a meltdown and started yelling at the players. [meltdown: noun]
Example
She had a meltdown when she found out her flight was cancelled. [meltdown: verb]
catastrophe
Example
The earthquake was a catastrophe that destroyed entire cities. [catastrophe: noun]
Example
The project was a complete catastrophe and we had to start over from scratch. [catastrophe: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catastrophe is more commonly used than meltdown in everyday language, especially in news reports and discussions of large-scale disasters. Meltdown is less common and often used in more personal or individual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meltdown and catastrophe?
Both meltdown and catastrophe can be used in formal and informal contexts, but catastrophe may be more appropriate in formal settings due to its association with larger-scale disasters.
