catastrophic — involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful
Pronunciation (IPA): /kəˈtæstrəfɪk/
Example Sentences
- My attempt to cook dinner was catastrophic - even the smoke alarm joined the protest.
- The company's new marketing strategy had catastrophic results, losing 70% of their customers.
- Climate change could have catastrophic effects on global food production.
catastrophic
ADJECTIVE[/kəˈtæstrəfɪk/]
involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; extremely unfortunate or unsuccessful
The catastrophic earthquake left the entire city in ruins.
The cat made the accident catastrophic by knocking down the priceless trophy. (catastrophe + -ic → relating to a catastrophe)
After the catastrophic disaster destroyed the trophy, the team fought back for victory.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'katastrophē' meaning 'an overturning or sudden turn,' derived from 'kata-' (down) and 'strephein' (to turn). The word entered English in the 16th century through Late Latin and French.
Breakdown
cata- (down) + stroph (turn) + -ic (adjective suffix) = catastrophic
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My attempt to cook dinner was catastrophic - even the smoke alarm joined the protest.”
“The company's new marketing strategy had catastrophic results, losing 70% of their customers.”
“Climate change could have catastrophic effects on global food production.”
“His haircut was so catastrophic that he wore a hat for three weeks straight.”
📚Related Words
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