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 effect on the city, leaving thousands homeless. [calamitous: adjective]
Example
The company's decision to cut costs had calamitous consequences, resulting in massive layoffs. [calamitous: adjective]
catastrophic
Example
The hurricane had a catastrophic impact on the coastal towns, destroying homes and infrastructure. [catastrophic: adjective]
Example
The failure of the dam led to catastrophic flooding, causing extensive damage to the surrounding areas. [catastrophic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Catastrophic is more commonly used than calamitous in everyday language. Catastrophic is a term that is widely recognized and employed to describe severe and widespread disasters or events. On the other hand, calamitous is less common and may be used in more specific or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calamitous and catastrophic?
While both calamitous and catastrophic can be used in formal and informal contexts, calamitous may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage. Catastrophic is versatile and can be used in various formality levels, making it suitable for both casual and formal situations.
