a calamitous development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a calamitous development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has caused significant harm or disaster. Example: "The sudden economic downturn was a calamitous development for many small businesses struggling to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The eventual self-destruction of the anti-corruption movement would not be such a calamitous development.

The New York Times

Had the company failed, it would have been a calamitous development for the CEO but not for diversified public stockholders.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a calamitous desire.

The New York Times - Books

Of course, that followed a calamitous decline.

The New York Times

"It's a calamitous mess.

The Guardian

If so, it was a calamitous mistake.

The Economist

It was a calamitous miscalculation for Syria and for Turkey.

Independent

Aid workers feared a calamitous battle for the city.

The Economist

Baghdad's hospitals were in a calamitous state.

The New Yorker

England finished on a high after a calamitous start.

The Guardian - Sport

It would undoubtedly exact a calamitous toll on the economy.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a calamitous development" to describe events with significant negative impacts, especially in formal writing. Be mindful of the intensity of the phrase, as it implies a considerable degree of harm or disaster.

Common error

Avoid using "a calamitous development" to describe minor setbacks or inconveniences. This phrase should be reserved for events with genuinely serious and far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a calamitous development" functions as a noun phrase, where "calamitous" modifies the noun "development". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is employed to depict an event or situation marked by significant adversity or disaster.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a calamitous development" is a grammatically sound and relatively rare phrase used to describe severely adverse events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts, particularly in news and academic writing, to emphasize the disastrous nature of a situation. While alternatives exist to convey similar meanings, "a calamitous development" specifically highlights the magnitude and dire consequences of the event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a catastrophic occurrence

Highlights the severity and widespread damage caused by the event.

a disastrous turn of events

Emphasizes the unexpected and unfortunate change in circumstances.

a grave misfortune

Emphasizes the seriousness and unfortunate nature of the event.

a devastating incident

Emphasizes the destructive and emotionally impactful nature of the event.

a tragic episode

Focuses on the sorrowful and heartbreaking aspects of the event.

a crushing setback

Highlights the major obstacle and impediment to progress.

an unfortunate situation

Focuses on the negative consequences and undesirable nature of the circumstances.

a harmful consequence

Emphasizes the negative effects and detrimental results of an action or event.

a regrettable outcome

Highlights the disappointment and sorrow associated with the result.

a ruinous affair

Stresses the destructive impact and potential for long-term damage.

FAQs

How can I use "a calamitous development" in a sentence?

You can use "a calamitous development" to describe a situation or event that has caused significant harm or disaster. For example, "The economic recession was "a calamitous development" for many small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "a calamitous development"?

You can use alternatives such as "a disastrous turn of events", "a catastrophic occurrence", or "an unfortunate situation" depending on the specific context.

Is "calamitous" a formal word?

Yes, "calamitous" is considered a formal word. Therefore, "a calamitous development" is suitable for formal writing and speech but might sound out of place in very casual contexts.

What distinguishes "a calamitous development" from "a negative development"?

"A calamitous development" implies a greater degree of damage, disaster, or harm than "a negative development". The former suggests a significant, often widespread, adverse impact, while the latter is more general.