Catastrophic: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：extremely disastrous (catastrophic)

catastrophic 🔊

/ˌkæt.əˈstrɒf.ɪk/

adj.

Used to describe something extremely bad, like a big disaster, causing serious damage or suffering.

Catastrophic earthquake scene with collapsed buildings and rescue workers

extremely disastrous 🔊

➕

/ɪkˈstriːmli dɪˈzæstrəs/

adj.

Describes events or situations that cause immense destruction, suffering, or failure; related to a catastrophe.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'katastrophē' (overturning) + '-ic'; meaning extremely disastrous.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'cat' + 'astrophe' (a huge cosmic disaster) - a cat-sized catastrophe is still catastrophic.

📖 Example

Scientists warn that rising sea levels could have a catastrophic impact on coastal cities. 🔊 Scientists warn that rising sea levels could have a catastrophic impact on coastal cities.

🔗 Collocations

catastrophic failure – a failure that causes severe and widespread damage

catastrophic damage – extreme destruction or harm resulting from a disaster

catastrophic event – an occurrence that leads to great loss or devastation

🔄 Synonyms

disastrous (adj.) – causing great damage or suffering; very bad

devastating (adj.) – causing severe and overwhelming damage or shock

calamitous (adj.) – involving or causing a serious disaster or misfortune

🚫 Antonyms

beneficial (adj.) – producing good results or helpful effects

fortunate (adj.) – favored by luck; having good fortune

mild (adj.) – not severe, serious, or harsh

🌱 Derivatives

catastrophe (n.) – a sudden and widespread disaster

catastrophically (adv.) – in a way that causes or relates to a catastrophe

📖 Cultural Story

Originally a term in Greek drama meaning 'the turning point' or 'sudden end'; later adopted in English to describe large-scale disasters.