calamitous period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calamitous period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time characterized by significant misfortune or disaster. Example: "The nation faced a calamitous period during the war, with widespread destruction and suffering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Outside of the national-security arena, Obama's time in office has not been a calamitous period for whistle-blowers.

The New Yorker

During my conversation with Allawi in Amman, he acknowledged his sense of responsibility for this calamitous period of Iraqi history and for the bloody years that followed.

The New Yorker

Inevitably, John Kosmina followed, but the second-coming ended in acrimony – the bookend to a calamitous period which included the infamous Aurelio ('oh, really?

The Guardian - Sport

That says much for another calamitous period in a club that has no direction, and, following the sale of Yohan Cabaye last week to Paris Saint Germain with no replacement, no heart.

Independent

Nothing of Che's own tyrannical tendencies, as witnessed by the hundreds executed under his auspices during the revolutionary tribunals, or of his calamitous period as president of Cuba's National Bank.

The New Yorker

With a lot of bad blood remaining from this summer's calamitous period of delays and terrible service, the airlines, meanwhile, appear to be paying more attention to the new corporate travel department muscle-flexing -- though not by lowering fares.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Not only are their cars and clothes of distant vintage, but they have inhabited homes without electricity, used antique camera equipment to produce their photographs (cyanotypes hovering in a blue haze of the medium's early origins), and made paintings dated to subjects, events (often calamitous), and periods past.

Vice

He ruled the church during a period made calamitous by the invasion of the Lombards and by famine, plague, and the flooding of the Tiber River.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the younger characters are afflicted with the presence of the "lost time" in Bohane, the collective memory of a period without dates, when something calamitous happened that is never spelled out.

The New York Times - Books

Saturday will mark the halfway point of their calamitous campaign.

Los Angeles Times

And besides, if a self-driving car is vulnerable to calamitous problems, the DMV shouldn't allow it on the road, period.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calamitous period" to describe a specific duration marked by significant and widespread misfortune, ensuring the context clearly illustrates the nature and extent of the calamity.

Common error

Avoid using "calamitous period" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for situations involving substantial and widespread negative consequences to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calamitous period" functions as an adjective-noun compound, where the adjective "calamitous" modifies the noun "period". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is usable in written English, describing a time marked by disaster or misfortune.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "calamitous period" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes a time marked by significant misfortune or disaster. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively conveys a sense of widespread adversity during a specific timeframe. While "calamitous period" is a valid phrase, remember to reserve its usage for truly significant misfortunes to avoid overstatement. Alternatives such as "disastrous era" or "tragic epoch" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. This phrase is a useful tool for describing historical events, political crises, or any period marked by substantial negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disastrous era

Focuses more on the catastrophic nature of the events.

tragic epoch

Emphasizes the sorrow and loss associated with the time.

catastrophic time

Highlights the overwhelming and destructive aspects of the period.

crisis-ridden years

Highlights the presence of multiple crises or emergencies.

troubled era

Focuses on the problems and difficulties present during that time.

time of great hardship

Focuses on the suffering and difficulties experienced.

adverse times

Emphasizes the unfavorable conditions and challenges.

unfortunate chapter

Downplays the severity, suggesting bad luck rather than widespread disaster.

difficult phase

Suggests a temporary state of hardship or adversity.

dark age

Implies a decline in culture, prosperity, or knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "calamitous period" to describe a specific timeframe marked by significant disaster or misfortune. For example: "The nation faced a "calamitous period" during the war, with widespread destruction and suffering."

What are some alternatives to "calamitous period"?

Alternatives include "disastrous era", "tragic epoch", or "catastrophic time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "calamitous period" too dramatic for everyday use?

Yes, "calamitous period" is generally reserved for situations involving significant disaster or misfortune. Using it for minor inconveniences would be an overstatement. It's better suited to describe things like natural disasters, wars, or economic collapses.

What distinguishes "calamitous period" from a "difficult time"?

"Calamitous period" implies a severe and widespread disaster, while a "difficult time" simply suggests hardship or adversity. The former involves substantial negative consequences, while the latter can refer to more manageable challenges.