catastrophe Definition
- 1an event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering; a disaster
- 2a complete failure; a fiasco
Using catastrophe: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "catastrophe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The earthquake was a catastrophe for the city.
Example
The company's financial losses were a catastrophe for its investors.
Example
The play was a catastrophe and closed after only one night.
Example
The hurricane caused a catastrophe in the coastal town.
catastrophe Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using catastrophe
a situation or course of action that is likely to lead to disaster
Example
Ignoring safety protocols is a recipe for catastrophe in any workplace.
a disaster that was prevented from happening
Example
The evacuation of the building averted a catastrophe when the fire broke out.
court catastrophe
to invite disaster through reckless behavior or decision-making
Example
If the company continues to ignore safety regulations, it will court catastrophe.
Phrases with catastrophe
a natural disaster such as an earthquake, hurricane, or flood
Example
The country is still recovering from the natural catastrophe that struck last year.
man-made catastrophe
a disaster caused by human activity, such as an industrial accident or war
Example
The oil spill was a man-made catastrophe that had a devastating impact on the environment.
to prevent a disaster from happening
Example
The quick response of the emergency services helped avert a catastrophe.
Origins of catastrophe
from Greek 'katastrophē', meaning 'overturning'
Summary: catastrophe in Brief
The term 'catastrophe' [kəˈtæstrəfi] refers to events that cause great damage or suffering, or complete failures. Catastrophes can be natural or man-made, such as 'The earthquake was a catastrophe for the city.' Phrases like 'a recipe for catastrophe' denote situations likely to lead to disaster, while 'averted catastrophe' refers to disasters that were prevented from happening.
