calamity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'calamity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a disaster or a misfortune. Example sentence: The accident caused a great calamity in the town.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Episode one grabs your lapels and drags you headlong back into the Whitechapel filth, and within a few short minutes the air is thick with horror and calamity thanks to "an event".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On the evening of 31 August 1854, families living in a cluster of cramped, overcrowded houses in Soho, London, were struck by a horrific calamity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sometimes only another economic calamity can erase the memory of the one before.

The Guardian - Opinion

The result has been hugely frustrating, not least because this may be the last opportunity to question Blair in such a way on what remains the greatest foreign policy calamity in the postwar era – with graver consequences even than the Suez debacle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Presented with a national calamity that also constituted a political opportunity, nothing stood between them and all the mistakes that haste can make for their children's children to repent at leisure.

The Guardian - Tech

At the height of the Greek calamity in 2011, he hosted a secret meeting of top eurozone leaders.

The Guardian

The Guardian's diplomatic editor Julian Borger has a preview of Obama's prepared remarks, and this is what he is expected to say on Syria: The crisis is no longer limited to Syria; it is a regional calamity with global ramifications.

The Guardian

Wenger could do worse than find evidence of Arsenal's calamity against Birmingham to play, on slow motion, as some kind of torture warning to his current troops.

The Guardian - Sport

And there's since been a further calamity.

The Guardian

Even the poll tax, the measure that would send her into that fatal downward spiral, was avoidable calamity.

The Guardian - Opinion

In urban resilience terms, this means being able self-regulate and manage when calamity does strike.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "calamity" with descriptive adjectives to enhance the reader's understanding of the event's severity. For example, use terms such as "natural calamity", "economic calamity", or "political calamity".

Common error

Avoid using "calamity" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve this word for situations that genuinely involve significant loss, suffering, or destruction to maintain its impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The noun "calamity" functions as a descriptor of an event or situation that results in significant loss, distress, or suffering. Ludwig indicates that this word is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "calamity" is a powerful descriptor for events causing significant loss or suffering, as affirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly used in News & Media, its formal tone makes it suitable for serious discussions. To avoid misuse, reserve "calamity" for genuinely severe situations, and consider related phrases like "disaster" or "tragedy" for nuanced expression. Remember, using descriptive adjectives with "calamity" can help contextualize the event's severity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disaster

Indicates a sudden event causing great damage or loss, similar to a calamity but often broader in scope.

catastrophe

Emphasizes the scale and suddenness of the event, suggesting widespread devastation.

tragedy

Focuses on the human suffering and loss associated with the event.

cataclysm

Suggests a violent upheaval or transformative event, often on a global scale.

adversity

Refers to difficult or unfavorable conditions, encompassing a wider range of challenges than a specific calamity.

misfortune

Highlights the unfortunate nature of the event, often implying bad luck or chance.

hardship

Emphasizes the difficulties and suffering experienced as a result of the event.

affliction

Suggests a state of suffering or distress, often with a connotation of being imposed or inflicted.

tribulation

Implies a period of great trouble or suffering, often associated with religious or spiritual trials.

crisis

Indicates a turning point or critical situation, often implying a threat or danger.

FAQs

How can I use "calamity" in a sentence?

You can use "calamity" to describe an event that causes great damage or suffering. For example: "The earthquake was a major "calamity" for the region."

What are some alternatives to the word "calamity"?

Some alternatives to "calamity" include "disaster", "catastrophe", or "tragedy depending on the specific context".

Is "calamity" a formal or informal word?

"Calamity" is generally considered a formal word and is appropriate for use in academic, professional, and news-related contexts.

What is the difference between "calamity" and "crisis"?

"Calamity" refers to an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress, whereas "crisis" indicates a turning point or a situation of instability that may or may not develop into a "calamity".