Need another word for Catastrophic? Use these synonyms of Catastrophic from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
disastrous
calamitous
devastating
destructive
disastrous
ruinous
dire
dreadful
appalling
horrific
terrible
awful
frightful
ghastly
gruesome
heinous
monstrous
shocking
traumatic
distressing
harrowing
unpleasant
unfortunate
unlucky
inauspicious
unpropitious
ill-fated
ill-omened
ominous
direful
baleful
baneful
pernicious
deleterious
harmful
injurious
damaging
hurtful
noxious
toxic
poisonous
lethal
mortal
fatal
deadly
killer
disastrous
cataclysmic
apocalyptic
chaotic
tumultuous
turbulent
violent
explosive
volcanic
earthquake
tidal wave
hurricane
catastrophic
annihilative
exterminative
eradictive
extirpative
Meaning of Catastrophic
The primary meaning of "catastrophic" is relating to or denoting a sudden and violent change, especially one that leads to a dramatic and often irreversible outcome.
Definitions
- Relating to or denoting a sudden and violent change, especially one that leads to a dramatic and often irreversible outcome.
- * Involving or causing sudden and severe damage or disruption.
- * Of or relating to a catastrophe, especially one that is perceived as having a sudden and devastating impact.
Etymology of Catastrophic
The word "catastrophic" comes from the Greek word "katastrophē", which means "a turning down" or "an overturning".
It is derived from "kata" meaning "down" and "strophē" meaning "a turning".
The word has been used in English since the 16th century to describe sudden and violent changes or events.
Example Uses
- The catastrophic failure of the dam caused widespread flooding and destruction.
- * The company's catastrophic financial losses led to its bankruptcy.
- * The earthquake had a catastrophic impact on the city, causing thousands of deaths and injuries.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
beneficial
advantageous
favorable
fortunate
lucky
auspicious
propitious
benign
harmless
innocuous
mild
moderate
slight
minor
negligible
insignificant
trivial
nonessential
unimportant
inconsequential
benign
salutary
wholesome
healthy
beneficial
profitable
useful
valuable
constructive
creative
positive
uplifting
inspiring
Uplifting
heartening
reassuring
comforting
pleasing
delightful
wonderful
marvelous
superb
excellent
outstanding
exceptional
remarkable