1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune
a calamitous decision to sell their products online exclusively ruined the business
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2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction
a calamitous flood that destroyed the town's central business district
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Recent Examples of calamitous
Biden’s actions provoked discussion about his legacy and whether the calamitous final year of his presidency will ultimately define his tenure in the White House.
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Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
The calamitous Cowboys shouldn’t be giving anybody more than a FG but this Giants team is nearly as bad as any that has worn the proud uniform.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 28 Nov. 2024
The effect of the policy on health coverage in Arkansas was calamitous.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Russia’s strategy failed only because Ukrainian society remained firmly pro-Western, encouraged by the economic opportunities the European Union offered, and deterred by the calamitous Russian management of its proxy statelets in the Donbas region.
—Niall Ferguson, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for calamitous 
Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024
The calamitous Cowboys shouldn’t be giving anybody more than a FG but this Giants team is nearly as bad as any that has worn the proud uniform.
—Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 28 Nov. 2024
The effect of the policy on health coverage in Arkansas was calamitous.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024
Russia’s strategy failed only because Ukrainian society remained firmly pro-Western, encouraged by the economic opportunities the European Union offered, and deterred by the calamitous Russian management of its proxy statelets in the Donbas region.
—Niall Ferguson, The Atlantic, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for calamitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calamitous
Adjective
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His opportunity to coach this team had come after the Chargers lost in disastrous fashion to the Raiders in 2023 in Las Vegas.Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
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The only exception is the somewhat confusing nature of the Wii U, which was more or less a Wii with a Gamepad, and that helped lead to disastrous sales.Paul Tassi, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The utility giant, Florida Power & Light, spent $3 billion on adaptive measures after a devastating 2004-2005 hurricane season left citizens without electricity for more than half a month.Dipka Bhambhani, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
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At just 42 years old, Allison Freedman’s life took an unexpected and devastating turn.Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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But as Trump prepares to retake the White House Monday, Democratic leaders have highlighted other results that show November's losses are not fatal.Stephen Fowler, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
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There were 147 people killed in Kansas City last year, according to data maintained by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings.Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Having a professional to talk to can help process and unpack unfortunate changes, and point towards new possibilities.Chris Westfall, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
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Far too often over the previous three seasons, unfortunate and often unlucky things happened when Jackson threw the ball in Bateman’s direction.Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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This controversial practice also fills critical personnel gaps, especially as California faces a future with longer and more destructive fire seasons due to climate change.Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 10 Jan. 2025
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Shocking footage has captured collapsing homes and fiery winds spreading destructive embers across neighborhoods.Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near calamitous
Cite this Entry
“Calamitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calamitous. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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