calamitous event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calamitous event" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a disastrous or catastrophic occurrence that has significant negative consequences. Example: "The earthquake was a calamitous event that left the city in ruins and its residents in despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The repercussions of this calamitous event in Marina's life have never ended.

The New York Times - Books

For a work about a life-altering calamitous event, "Humpty Dumpty" is uneventful.

The New York Times

Usually, after a calamitous event or a political embarrassment, it is the White House that seeks a commission to investigate.

The New York Times

Television can now bring instant, extensive and repetitive focus to any calamitous event; the police have learned to use the attention to their own advantage.

The New York Times

So far, our international system has failed to respond adequately to the current spate of crises – let alone a potentially more calamitous event.

The Guardian - Opinion

Things are not as bad as they could get if another calamitous event strikes or tourists stay home or theatrical investors steer clear indefinitely.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

But not all bosses are in hot water for their handling of calamitous events.

The Economist

In short, there was much ado, as there often is in response to disturbing news reports or calamitous events.

The New York Times

In the autumn came the series of calamitous events in the financial world that began with the collapse of Lehman Brothers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whisked across the border to a life of hard labor and solitude in Saskatchewan, Dell struggled to remake himself and now looks back at those calamitous events.

The New York Times - Books

That was for safety, he said, comparing it to the way the police set up a perimeter for the press around crime scenes and calamitous events.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calamitous event" to describe a situation that is not only negative but also has wide-ranging and severe consequences. This term adds a level of gravity and seriousness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "calamitous event" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations with significant and far-reaching negative impacts, such as natural disasters or major crises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calamitous event" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "calamitous" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "event". It is used to describe a specific occurrence characterized by its disastrous and devastating nature, as evidenced by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calamitous event" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to describe a disastrous occurrence with severe negative impacts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most often found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives like "disastrous occurrence" or "catastrophic incident" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it in mild situations, as it is best reserved for events with significant and far-reaching consequences. The phrase is often used to communicate the gravity and severe consequences of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disastrous occurrence

Replaces "calamitous" with "disastrous", emphasizing the negative consequences of the event.

catastrophic incident

Uses "catastrophic" to highlight the scale of damage or destruction.

tragic episode

Emphasizes the sadness and loss associated with the event.

devastating affair

Highlights the ruinous and damaging nature of the event.

grievous happening

Emphasizes the sorrow and suffering caused by the event.

ruinous situation

Focuses on the destructive and damaging aspects of the situation.

ill-fated incident

Highlights the element of destiny or misfortune associated with the event.

unfortunate circumstance

Understates the event, focusing on its negative impact in a milder tone.

apocalyptic scenario

Emphasizes the potential for widespread destruction and societal collapse.

adverse development

Focuses on the negative progression or unfolding of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "calamitous event" to describe a disastrous or catastrophic occurrence that has significant negative consequences. For example, "The earthquake was a "calamitous event" that left the city in ruins."

What are some alternatives to "calamitous event"?

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

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

Yes, "calamitous event" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys a serious and significant negative impact. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

What distinguishes a "calamitous event" from a "difficult situation"?

A ""calamitous event"" implies widespread damage and severe repercussions, whereas a "difficult situation" may be challenging but does not necessarily involve widespread destruction or long-term consequences.