a significant disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that has a major negative impact or consequence, often in contexts related to natural disasters, accidents, or crises. Example: "The earthquake resulted in a significant disaster, affecting thousands of lives and causing extensive damage to infrastructure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Levee or dam failure can cause a significant disaster in most cases.

Journal of Hydrodynamics, Ser. B

However, it is necessary we face the truth that we are in fact a serious hazard, or threat, or risk to other species and planetary ecosystems and our impact in the Anthropocene might mark a significant disaster in the history of the more-than-human.

Geoscience Letters

In the context of the present study, even when the effects of a hazard are frequently suffered by only a few members of a society over extended time periods, a succession of low impact disasters in a limited area also can constitute a significant disaster.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Injury forms a significant disaster health burden.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The earthquake, which is estimated to have killed over 222,000 people and directly or indirectly affected almost one third of the Haitian population, was the most significant disaster requiring a large-scale multi-sectoral international response since the Pakistan earthquake in 2005.

Unicef

Other possible reasons listed for the removal of a name are pronunciation ambiguity, a socially unacceptable meaning in another language, or because the storm name represented a significant human disaster.

Wikipedia

Possible reasons listed for the removal of the name are pronunciation ambiguity, a socially unacceptable meaning in another language, or because the storm name represented a significant human disaster.

Wikipedia

Most firms recognize that they need to develop the ability to keep their people reasonably safe, others recognize the importance of maintaining systems and are willing to invest substantially to ensure continuity of their operations, and additional organizations have multiple roles with significant disaster responsibilities.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Both female and male affected residents had a significant post-disaster increase (table 2) in the first year (P <.001) compared to pre-disaster.

BMC Family Practice

The primary advantage of our study design is the possibility of documenting concerns within the community before and after the disaster, as a significant limitation in disaster studies is often the lack of baseline data [ 12].

BMC Health Services Research

The island autonomous territories of Madeira and Açores have a recent history of more significant disasters, such as earthquakes, landslides, forest fires, and hurricanes.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant disaster" to underscore the extensive damage, long-term consequences, or wide-reaching impacts of a particular event.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant disaster" as a generic term without providing specific context. Overusing the phrase without details can dilute its impact and make your writing seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant disaster" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "disaster". This phrase is typically used to emphasize the magnitude and importance of the disaster being described. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a significant disaster" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes an event with major negative impacts. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, reflecting its use in describing substantial and consequential events. While not extremely common, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various formal and informal settings. Alternatives such as ""a major catastrophe"" or ""a devastating crisis"" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major catastrophe

Emphasizes the scale and severity of the disaster.

a calamitous event

Highlights the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the event.

a devastating crisis

Focuses on the destructive and critical aspects of the situation.

a severe tragedy

Emphasizes the sorrowful and grievous nature of the event.

a notable calamity

Highlights the conspicuous and disastrous nature of the event.

a considerable misfortune

Focuses on the substantial and unfavorable aspects of the event.

a grave incident

Emphasizes the serious and concerning nature of the event.

a critical event

Focuses on the crucial and decisive aspects of the situation.

a substantial setback

Highlights the considerable impediment caused by the event.

a major adverse event

Emphasizes the negative and harmful consequences of the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a significant disaster" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a significant disaster", provide context by specifying the type of disaster and its impact. For example: "The hurricane was "a significant disaster", causing widespread flooding and power outages."

What are some alternatives to "a significant disaster"?

Alternatives include "a major catastrophe", "a devastating crisis", or "a calamitous event". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "significant disaster" or "major disaster"?

Both "significant disaster" and "major disaster" are acceptable. "Significant" emphasizes the notable impact, while "major" stresses the scale and severity. Choose the word that best fits the context.

What distinguishes "a significant disaster" from a regular disaster?

"A significant disaster" implies that the disaster has caused substantial damage, loss, or disruption, setting it apart from less impactful events. It denotes a greater level of severity and consequence.