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Calamity

usgb/kəˈlæməti/Volume
nounPlay

A very serious event causing damage and suffering.

A hurricane has caused a calamity on the island.
Often appears as...
natural calamity
utter calamity
Left Definition 1 of 2Right
LampPro Tip 1/3
Severity ScalePlay
Use 'calamity' for events more destructive than 'accidents' but less than 'apocalypses'. SlideThe forest fire was a calamity for the affected wildlife.
LampPro Tip 2/3
Human SufferingPlay
'Calamity' often implies that people were harmed or are in distress. SlideThe famine represented a great calamity for the region.
LampPro Tip 3/3
Not PersonalPlay
Typically not used for personal troubles unless they're extremely severe, affecting many. SlideLosing her job was a calamity for her entire family.