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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Disaster Meaning: Examples and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：catastrophic event (disaster)

disaster 🔊

/dɪˈzæstər/

A very bad event that causes a lot of damage and suffering, like a flood or a plane crash.

Aerial view of flooded neighborhood with rescue boat after disaster

catastrophic event 🔊

➕

/ˌkætəˈstrɑːfɪk ɪˈvent/

A very bad event that causes a lot of damage and suffering, like a flood or a plane crash.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From dis- (bad) + aster (star): a bad star, an ill-fated event from astrology.

💡 Mnemonic

Dis-aster: The stars (aster) are against (dis) you, bringing ruin.

📖 Example

The sudden flood was a terrible disaster for the small village, destroying many homes. 🔊 The sudden flood was a terrible disaster for the small village, destroying many homes.

🔗 Collocations

natural disaster – An event caused by nature, such as an earthquake or hurricane, that causes widespread damage.

disaster area – A region officially declared to have suffered severe damage from a disaster.

disaster relief – Aid and assistance provided to people affected by a disaster.

🔄 Synonyms

catastrophe (n.) – A sudden and widespread disaster that causes great suffering.

calamity (n.) – A serious event causing great and often sudden distress or misfortune.

tragedy (n.) – A very sad event that causes great suffering, often involving death.

🚫 Antonyms

blessing (n.) – Something good that is welcome and brings happiness.

miracle (n.) – A fortunate event that seems beyond natural explanation.

fortune (n.) – Great luck or a favorable outcome.

🌱 Derivatives

disastrous (adj.) – Causing great damage or suffering.

disastrously (adv.) – In a way that causes disaster or great harm.

disaster-prone (adj.) – Likely to be affected by disasters.

📖 Cultural Story

Ancient Romans believed stars influenced fate; 'disaster' literally means 'bad star,' reflecting the belief that celestial misalignment caused calamities.

Meaning 2：complete failure (disaster)

disaster 🔊

/dɪˈzæstər/

A complete failure, or something that goes very badly wrong.

complete failure 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpliːt ˈfeɪljər/

A situation or event that goes very badly wrong, resulting in a disappointing or embarrassing outcome.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My birthday party turned into a complete disaster when a sudden storm forced everyone to stay inside the tiny apartment. 🔊 My birthday party turned into a complete disaster when a sudden storm forced everyone to stay inside the tiny apartment.

🔗 Collocations

complete disaster – A total failure with no positive aspects.

absolute disaster – An extremely bad situation, often beyond repair.

disaster in the making – A situation that is clearly heading towards failure.

🔄 Synonyms

fiasco (n.) – A thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ridiculous or embarrassing way.

debacle (n.) – A sudden and complete failure, often due to poor planning.

catastrophe (n.) – An event causing great and often sudden damage or failure (informal use).

🚫 Antonyms

success (n.) – The achievement of a desired outcome or goal.

triumph (n.) – A great victory or achievement, especially after difficulty.

victory (n.) – An act of defeating an opponent or overcoming a challenge.

🌱 Derivatives

disastrous (adj.) – Involving great failure or harm.

disastrously (adv.) – In a way that ends in complete failure.

disaster-prone (adj.) – Tending to result in frequent failures.