Disastrous Meaning
/dɪˈzɑː.stɹəs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjOf the nature of a disaster; calamitous.
adjForeboding disaster; ill-omened.
Sentence Examples
Pollution has a disastrous effect on the ecology of a region.
Solar storms next year could prove disastrous for the electrical grid.
A disastrous business venture lost him thousands of dollars.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company's ____ decision to ignore safety rules led to a major accident.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Pollution has a ____ effect on the ecology of a region.
Word Origin & History
From disaster + -ous, after Middle French desastreux (modern French désastreux; from desastre (modern French désastre, “disaster”; from des- + astre, a calque of Italian disastro) + -eux), itself after Italian disastroso, from disastro + -oso, from dis- (“away, without”) (from Latin dis-) + astro (“star, planet”) (from Latin astrum (“star, celestial body”), from Ancient Greek ᾰ̓́στρον (ắstron)).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"In addition, he was also able to reinforce the unease among progressive Democratic-leaning voters over Clinton’s disastrous pro-interventionist positions, thereby suppressing turnout and encouraging third party support in some key swing states that made the difference in his Electoral College victory."
— 2024 August 21, Daniel Falcone, “Trump Was Never a “Moderate” on Foreign Policy”, in Truthout:
"A fearsome sight it was to behold how he swelled in his wrath, and his eyes blazed like disastrous stars at midnight, and being wood with anger he gnashed his teeth till the froth stood at his lips and slavered down his chin."
— 1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A Romance, London: Jonathan Cape […], →OCLC, page 27:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The company's ____ decision to ignore safety rules led to a major accident.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Pollution has a ____ effect on the ecology of a region.