catastrophic incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "catastrophic incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant and disastrous event that causes severe damage or harm. Example: "The earthquake was a catastrophic incident that left thousands homeless and caused widespread destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

How could a child have caused that catastrophic incident?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"There is no question there were communications problems at this catastrophic incident," he said.

The New York Times

"Up to this moment, I'm not sure that I'm the one who caused that catastrophic incident," Mr. Ignacio said.

The New York Times

The platform serves a complex of fields, and there was a danger that the gas could catch fire, leading to a catastrophic incident.

The New York Times

The procedure may one day be useful in helping to identify patients at high risk of life-threatening arrhythmias before a catastrophic incident.

The New York Times - Tech

Undoubtedly, these are the most critical phases of a plant life cycle which could trigger an unexpected or uncontrolled situation leading to a catastrophic incident.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Most debriefings occur between twelve and seventy-two hours after a catastrophe, according to "Blindsided: A Manager's Guide to Catastrophic Incidents in the Workplace," by Bruce T. Blythe, the C.E.O. of Crisis Management International, a company that offers psychological services.

The New Yorker

"Our catastrophic incidents increased significantly," said Dr. Richard Harden, equine medical director for the state racing commission.

The New York Times

A significant number of catastrophic incidents occur primarily due to human factors.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Catastrophic incidents, such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and industrial accidents, can occur suddenly and have high impact.

Environment International

The prevention of such catastrophic incidents poses huge challenges for reliability study and operational practices in power systems.

Electric Power Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on a "catastrophic incident", provide specific details about the damage, casualties, and long-term consequences to convey the full scope of the disaster.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "catastrophic incident" with overly dramatic language. Maintain a factual and objective tone to ensure credibility and avoid causing unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "catastrophic incident" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific event characterized by its disastrous and damaging nature. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

2%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "catastrophic incident" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a severely damaging event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting. While it effectively conveys the gravity of a situation, it's important to use it judiciously and avoid sensationalism. Alternatives like "devastating occurrence" or "major catastrophe" can be used to vary your language while maintaining a similar impact. Ensure clarity and accuracy when reporting on such incidents, providing specific details without resorting to exaggeration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major catastrophe

Emphasizes the large scale and severity of the disaster.

devastating occurrence

Emphasizes the severe damage or destruction caused by the event.

tragic event

Highlights the sorrow and suffering associated with the incident.

destructive episode

Emphasizes the damage and ruin caused during the event.

disastrous situation

Focuses on the problematic and unfavorable circumstances resulting from the event.

calamitous affair

Implies a grave misfortune or disaster, often with long-lasting consequences.

ruinous event

Highlights the irreparably damaging nature of the incident.

grave crisis

Stresses the seriousness and urgency of the situation.

severe adversity

Highlights the hardship and distress caused by the event.

critical setback

Focuses on the hindrance and negative impact on progress or goals.

FAQs

How can I use "catastrophic incident" in a sentence?

You can use "catastrophic incident" to describe a disastrous event that causes significant damage or harm. For example: "The oil spill was a "catastrophic incident" that devastated the marine ecosystem."

What are some alternatives to "catastrophic incident"?

Alternatives include "devastating occurrence", "tragic event", or "major catastrophe", depending on the specific context and aspect you want to emphasize.

What distinguishes a "catastrophic incident" from a "serious problem"?

A "catastrophic incident" implies a much greater scale of damage, destruction, or loss compared to a "serious problem". The former suggests widespread and severe consequences, while the latter may be more localized or manageable.

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

Yes, "catastrophic incident" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, academic papers, and official statements, due to its clear and impactful description of a significant disaster.