environmental disaster

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "environmental disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant event that causes severe damage to the environment, often resulting in ecological harm or human suffering. Example: "The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was one of the worst environmental disasters in recent history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is an environmental disaster.

The New York Times

He's an environmental disaster zone.

The New York Times

The debt crisis is an environmental disaster.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is an environmental disaster zone.

The New York Times

We are also threatened by environmental disaster.

The Guardian - Arts

This is Australia's biggest ever environmental disaster".

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Haiyan has brought environmental disaster too.

The Guardian

It's an environmental disaster waiting to happen.

The Guardian

What exactly should be defined as an environmental disaster?

The New York Times - Science

Post-war Japan was also an environmental disaster.

The Economist

Its worst environmental disaster ever? A. It is probably neither.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "environmental disaster" to clearly convey a situation involving significant and detrimental impact on the environment. Provide specific details to illustrate the scope and consequences of the disaster.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating minor environmental issues by labeling them "environmental disaster". Reserve this term for situations involving widespread and severe ecological damage to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "environmental disaster" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a specific incident or situation that causes significant harm to the environment. Ludwig shows many examples in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "environmental disaster" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe events causing significant harm to the environment. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation. Consider alternatives like "ecological catastrophe" or "environmental crisis" for nuanced descriptions. Be mindful of overuse and provide specific details to support your claims.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecological catastrophe

Focuses more on the biological and ecological consequences.

environmental catastrophe

Slightly stronger emphasis on the catastrophic nature of the event.

ecological crisis

Emphasizes the severity and urgency of the environmental problem.

environmental crisis

A broad term indicating a problematic environmental situation.

environmental tragedy

Highlights the unfortunate and lamentable aspects of the event.

major pollution event

Specifically refers to incidents of significant contamination.

severe environmental damage

Focuses on the extent and impact of the harm caused.

environmental collapse

Implies a more complete and irreversible breakdown of environmental systems.

natural catastrophe

Includes natural events that lead to large scale problems for nature.

environmental meltdown

Suggests a sudden and uncontrolled worsening of an environmental situation.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "environmental disaster"?

Alternatives include "ecological catastrophe", "environmental catastrophe", or "environmental crisis", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

How is an "environmental disaster" different from an "environmental issue"?

An "environmental issue" is a general concern, while an "environmental disaster" refers to a specific event causing significant and immediate harm. The latter implies a higher degree of severity and urgency.

What are some examples of "environmental disasters"?

Examples include oil spills like the Deepwater Horizon, nuclear accidents like Chernobyl, and widespread deforestation leading to habitat loss. These events all have severe and long-lasting impacts on ecosystems and human populations.

Is it appropriate to use the term "environmental disaster" in formal writing?

Yes, "environmental disaster" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a severe event causing substantial harm to the environment. Ensure your usage is supported by evidence and avoids hyperbole.