Catastrophic

/ˌkæt.əˈstrɒf.ɪk/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering; disastrous.

The earthquake had catastrophic effects on the city's infrastructure.

Causing a significant and often irreversible loss or failure.

The catastrophic failure of the dam led to widespread flooding in the region.

Relating to a catastrophe; extremely unfortunate.

The team's catastrophic decision to ignore safety protocols resulted in a tragic accident.

Of or relating to a cataclysmic event, often in a natural context.

The catastrophic event changed the landscape of the entire area for generations.

From the Greek 'katastrophē', meaning overturning or sudden end.

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.

catastrophe

a sudden and widespread disaster.

calamity

an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress.

a total mess or disaster

That party was catastrophic; hardly anyone showed up.

an overwhelming failure

After the new policy, the company faced a catastrophic in sales.