Meaning & Definition of word "Catastrophic"
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Catastrophic
/ˌkæt.əˈstrɒf.ɪk/
adjective:
- 1. Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; disastrous.
- Example: The earthquake had catastrophic effects on the city's infrastructure.
- 2. Causing a significant and often irreversible loss or failure.
- Example: The catastrophic failure of the dam led to widespread flooding in the region.
- 3. Relating to a catastrophe; extremely unfortunate.
- Example: The team's catastrophic decision to ignore safety protocols resulted in a tragic accident.
- 4. Of or relating to a cataclysmic event, often in a natural context.
- Example: The catastrophic event changed the landscape of the entire area for generations.
Etymology
From the Greek 'katastrophē', meaning overturning or sudden end.
Common Phrases and Expressions
catastrophic failure:
a failure that has disastrous consequences.
catastrophic event:
an event that causes widespread destruction or harm.
catastrophic thinking:
a cognitive distortion that leads to viewing situations as much worse than they are.
Related Words
catastrophe:
a sudden and widespread disaster.
calamity:
an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.
Slang Meanings of catastrophic
Meaning: a total mess or disaster
Example Sentence: That party was catastrophic; hardly anyone showed up.
Meaning: an overwhelming failure
Example Sentence: After the new policy, the company faced a catastrophic in sales.