catastrophic
Translation
catastrophic, disastrous
Examples
The earthquake had a catastrophic effect on the city.
The earthquake had a catastrophic effect on the city.
It was a catastrophic failure of the system.
It was a catastrophic failure of the system.
Grammar Patterns
((catastrophic)) + noun a catastrophic event The company suffered a catastrophic loss.
Similar Words
Synonyms: disastrous, devastating, calamitous; Antonyms: beneficial, fortunate
Etymology
From Greek 'katastrophē' (overturning), from 'kata-' (down) + 'strophē' (turning).
Memory Tips
Picture a 'cat' causing a 'trophy' to fall and shatter – a catastrophic event.