catastrophic

Sometimes cata·strophi·cal,

[kat-uh-strof-ik]

adjective

1. of the nature of a catastrophe, or disastrous event; calamitous.

   a catastrophic failure of the dam.

Other Word Forms

• catastrophically adverb
• noncatastrophic adjective
• noncatastrophically adverb
• supercatastrophic adjective
• uncatastrophic adjective
• uncatastrophically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of catastrophic¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Greek katastrophikós, equivalent to catastroph(e) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

UN humanitarian officials have warned that the impact of a full-blown offensive would be "beyond catastrophic".

From BBC

“It’s catastrophic, it will lead to outbreaks of disease,” Ball said.

From Los Angeles Times

Ethan died in August 2021 after suffering a catastrophic brain injury which the prosecution claimed was caused by one, or both, of his grandparents.

From BBC

UN humanitarian officials have warned that the impact of a full-blown offensive would be "beyond catastrophic", not only for those in the city but for the entire Gaza Strip.

From BBC

When more than 1,000 people are dying every year in a small country, the implications for their families and friends are enormous and potentially catastrophic.

From BBC

Related Words

• calamitous 
• cataclysmic 
• disastrous 
• fatal 
• ruinous 
• tragic