Disaster Meaning
/dɪˈzɑːs.təː/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAn unexpected natural or man-made catastrophe of substantial extent causing significant physical damage or destruction, loss of life or sometimes permanent change to the natural environment.
nounAn unforeseen event causing great loss, upset or unpleasantness of whatever kind.
Sentence Examples
Slight inattention can cause a great disaster.
If the hay caught fire, it would be a real disaster.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hurricane was a terrible ____ that destroyed hundreds of coastal homes.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Slight inattention can cause a great ____.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French desastre, from Italian disastro, from dis- + astro (“star”), from Latin astrum (“star”), from Ancient Greek ἄστρον (ástron, “star”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂stḗr.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Floods in northern India, mostly in the small state of Uttarakhand, have wrought disaster on an enormous scale. The early, intense onset of the monsoon on June 14th swelled rivers, washing away roads, bridges, hotels and even whole villages. Rock-filled torrents smashed vehicles and homes, burying victims under rubble and sludge."
— 2013 June 29, “High and wet”, in The Economist, volume 407, number 8842, page 28:
"And no use for anyone to tell Charles that this was because the Family was in mourning for Mr Granville Darracott […]: Charles might only have been second footman at Darracott Place for a couple of months when that disaster occurred, but no one could gammon him into thinking that my lord cared a spangle for his heir."
— 1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax:
"A nod means good, two nods; very good. And then there's the pursing of the lips: disaster."
— 2003, The Devil Wears Prada:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The hurricane was a terrible ____ that destroyed hundreds of coastal homes.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Slight inattention can cause a great ____.