disastrous

adjective

di·​sas·​trous di-ˈza-strəs How to pronounce disastrous (audio)
 also  -ˈsa-
1
: attended by or causing suffering or disaster : calamitous
a disastrous flood
2
: terrible, horrendous
a disastrous score
disastrously adverb

Examples of disastrous in a Sentence

Half the city was destroyed by a disastrous fire. The bad weather could have a disastrous effect on the area's tourism industry. His failure to back up the computer files had disastrous consequences. The strike was economically disastrous.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many in the comments could relate to roommate frustration, which often manifests in similar ways—as simple household tasks leading to disastrous misfires. Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025 Many Democrats are angry that Biden clung to power and refused to allow for an open primary, only stepping aside after a disastrous debate performance provoked an internal revolt against his candidacy. Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2025 The disastrous effects of climate change have made these college-age children question what kind of future will be afforded to them. Shawn Hubler, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 Other threats of looting and burglary loom over Los Angeles County, after disastrous fires have devastated communities. Megan Forrester, ABC News, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for disastrous 

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disastrous was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near disastrous

Cite this Entry

“Disastrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disastrous. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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