catastrophic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "catastrophic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective that is used to describe something as devastating or very serious. Example sentence: The impact of the hurricane was catastrophic, causing extensive destruction to homes and businesses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The "hollowing out" of the library service is catastrophic at a time when illiteracy costs the country £81bn a year and one child in three does not own a single book.

The Guardian - Books

The most dramatic match of the day came when Luton's catastrophic run of form went on in devastating fashion against Exeter.

The Guardian - Sport

Several studies have concluded that much of the world's fossil fuel reserves must remain unburned to prevent catastrophic climate change.

The Guardian

To such catastrophic "modernity", the most likely political response is often conservatism – with a small "c", as distinct from the self-annulling Conservatism of today's radical modernisers.

The Guardian - Opinion

A week after Labour's catastrophic general election defeat, Jon Cruddas is holding nothing back.

The Guardian

Cameron will say: "Professionals who fail to protect children will be held properly accountable and council bosses who preside over such catastrophic failure will not see rewards for that failure".

The Guardian

When the history of Syria's catastrophic civil war comes to be written, 30 June 2012 will surely be recognised as the only true moment of hope.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Independent editor Amol Rajan has warned journalists on the paper that voting for strike action would send a "catastrophic" message to the owner, Evgeny Lebedev.

The Guardian

Johnson, mayor of London and now MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, is vehemently opposed to Heathrow expansion and has reiterated that view recently, saying it would be "catastrophic" for Londoners, with unacceptable levels of pollution and noise.

The Guardian

Varoufakis also said it would be "catastrophic" if Greece left the euro, predicting it would be "the beginning of the end of the common currency project".

The Guardian

Marr, who mostly slept through his brushes with death, was oblivious to the dramas of his bedside and the potentially "catastrophic side-effects" of his post-stroke treatment.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "catastrophic" to emphasize the severity and wide-ranging impact of an event or situation. Ensure the context clearly supports the use of such a strong descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "catastrophic" to describe minor inconveniences or setbacks. This dilutes the word's impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The word "catastrophic" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe events, situations, or failures of immense and devastating proportions. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is generally correct and appropriate for use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "catastrophic" is used to describe events of immense and devastating impact. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct and appropriate. With high frequency in news, science, and business contexts, "catastrophic" effectively conveys severity and urgency. When using this word, make sure to emphasize its strong negative connotation and avoid overusing it in less serious situations. Alternatives like "devastating" or "disastrous" may be more suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating

Emphasizes the emotional impact and widespread destruction caused.

disastrous

Highlights the unfortunate and harmful consequences of an event.

ruinous

Focuses on the destructive effect that leads to decay or collapse.

calamitous

Indicates a grave event bringing great suffering and loss.

tragic

Underlines the sorrowful and grievous nature of the event.

fatal

Stresses the deadly and irreversible outcome.

crippling

Suggests a severe impairment or disabling effect.

apocalyptic

Implies a scale of destruction resembling the end of the world.

dire

Highlights the extreme seriousness and urgency of a situation.

destructive

Focuses on the act of causing damage and ruin.

FAQs

How can I use "catastrophic" in a sentence?

Use "catastrophic" to describe events or situations that involve widespread damage or suffering. For example, "The hurricane had a "catastrophic" impact on coastal communities."

What can I say instead of "catastrophic"?

You can use alternatives like "devastating", "disastrous", or "ruinous" depending on the specific context and the degree of impact you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "catastrophic" in formal writing?

Yes, "catastrophic" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a situation with severe and widespread negative consequences. Ensure that the evidence supports such a strong descriptor.

What's the difference between "catastrophic" and "serious"?

"Catastrophic" implies a much greater level of damage and impact than "serious". While a "serious" event is concerning, a "catastrophic" event involves widespread devastation and potentially irreversible consequences.