calamitous episode

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calamitous episode" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disastrous or catastrophic event or situation that has significant negative consequences. Example: "The calamitous episode of the hurricane left the entire town in ruins, forcing residents to evacuate and seek shelter elsewhere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

First, the calamitous episode last autumn, when he floated the idea of calling a general election, then pulled back.

The Economist

Angela Eagle, Labour's shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said: "What we are seeing today is the latest calamitous episode of this government's completely chaotic way of running the country.

The Guardian

Mr. Peterson, a history professor at the University of Virginia, was a prolific writer whose subjects included the abolitionist John Brown, the great 19th-century orator and statesmen Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun, Lincoln and, somewhat anomalously, a calamitous episode in Armenian history.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dolan didn't even support his coach when the marginally credentialed star Stephon Marbury declared himself the enemy of Larry Brown, whose brief coexistence with the team president Isiah Thomas in 2005-06 was part of the most calamitous and costly episode of the Dolan years.

The New York Times - Sports

The savagery of Carvalho's beating and the glee of the young fans, unaware of what was unfolding but nonetheless aroused and stimulated by the extraordinary violence and perhaps now traumatised, will be seen in the broader sense as a calamitous and indefensible episode in Dublin.

The Guardian - Sport

Each episode ends with a calamitous revelation (quite a serious one about what the new dentist might have done to Margaret) or a disaster about to occur.

The New York Times - Arts

Series one of Episodes ended with the calamitous news that their pilot is, inexplicably, a hit – locking the trio together in LA to make the show, and setting the scene for series two.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet although these highly leveraged creatures seem to have made credit tremors more sudden and more frequent, these episodes have not been more calamitous.

The Economist

It seemed like a badge of honour when he was the most notable miscreant among the Australian squad on their calamitous tour of India in 2013, having declined to do his homework, an episode that triggered the end of Mickey Arthur's period as coach.

The Guardian - Sport

But finding out about the rest was difficult because Brooklyn is Brooklyn, hip in some quarters, perhaps, but still so overshadowed by Manhattan that in a recent episode of "Sex and the City," a move to the borough by one character is considered almost as calamitous as another's breast cancer.

The New York Times - Arts

Not calamitous or terminal.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calamitous episode" when you want to emphasize both the disastrous nature of an event and its distinct place within a larger context or series of events. It's effective for historical events, political blunders, or personal setbacks that have clear beginnings and endings.

Common error

Avoid using "calamitous episode" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday problems. The phrase carries a significant weight and should be reserved for events with genuinely severe consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calamitous episode" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "calamitous" modifies the noun "episode". Ludwig confirms that this combination describes a disastrous or catastrophic event. The adjective emphasizes the severity of the episode.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calamitous episode" is a noun phrase used to describe a disastrous event within a defined context. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media sources, emphasizing its role in serious reporting. While alternatives like "disastrous event" and "catastrophic incident" exist, "calamitous episode" uniquely highlights both the severity and the distinct nature of the event. Remember to reserve this phrase for events with truly significant negative consequences to maintain its impact. It's not for small problems or trivial inconveniences. This analysis is validated by the examples provided by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disastrous event

Emphasizes the catastrophic nature of the event.

catastrophic incident

Highlights the sudden and devastating impact of the event.

tragic occurrence

Focuses on the sorrowful and unfortunate aspect of the event.

devastating situation

Underlines the widespread damage and suffering caused.

unfortunate event

A more neutral way to describe something negative that happened.

ill-fated incident

Suggests the event was destined for failure or misfortune.

grievous happening

Emphasizes the severe and painful consequences of the event.

fateful event

Implies the event had significant and far-reaching consequences.

unhappy chapter

Reframes the event as a negative part of a larger narrative.

painful experience

Highlights the emotional distress caused by the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "calamitous episode" to describe events with significant negative consequences, such as "The "calamitous episode" of the financial crisis led to widespread job losses".

What are some alternatives to "calamitous episode"?

Alternatives include "disastrous event", "catastrophic incident", or "tragic occurrence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "calamitous episode" in formal writing?

Yes, "calamitous episode" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in news articles, historical accounts, and analytical reports, given its use in sources such as The New York Times and The Economist.

What distinguishes "calamitous episode" from a simple "bad event"?

"Calamitous episode" suggests a higher degree of severity and a more defined beginning and end compared to a general "bad event". It implies a specific incident with widespread negative repercussions, fitting for more serious subjects than just a "bad event".