Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
societal disaster
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "societal disaster" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant negative event or situation that affects society as a whole, such as a crisis or catastrophe. Example: "The pandemic has been a societal disaster, impacting health, economy, and social structures worldwide."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(18)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
If secular people couldn't raise well-functioning, moral children, then a preponderance of them in a given society would spell societal disaster.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
In many ways, the state of knowledge on the role of climate change in driving societal disasters (wars and unrest) is similar to that of its role in driving meteorological disasters (particularly hurricanes).
News & Media
Such rapid changes in conditions are often caused by natural, technological or societal disasters, from hurricanes to violent conflicts [16].
Science
The value GSV provides needs to be balanced by a clear grasp of technology's limitations in generating a full understanding of the societal effects of disaster and disaster recovery.
(7) Enhancing the role of social science in the multidisciplinary effort to understand behavior and decision making in DRR and the role of the wider societal context in disaster risk creation and reduction, and incorporating key markers of socioeconomic vulnerability.
Jerold Kayden, a professor of urban planning and design at Harvard, points out the pull between private property rights and societal concerns in disaster recovery.
News & Media
Poignant issues of technology, economic and societal collapse, environmental disaster and existential philosophy are explored under the guise of a fantastical journey through the deserts of our neighbor planet.
News & Media
Examples of factors include climate, demographics, natural disasters, societal changes and domestic and international economic changes [15].
Motivated by a history of major commercial, environmental and societal failures or disasters, the product and process life cycle is underscored by the application of risk management principles.
The societal costs of disasters around the world are continuing to increase and Pacific Island countries are considered some of the most vulnerable.
Furthermore few approaches that exist do not investigate indicators of psychological resilience, which is emerging as an important component of societal resilience to disasters.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "societal disaster", ensure the context clearly indicates a large-scale negative event affecting the structure and function of society, rather than an individual or localized problem.
Common error
Avoid using "societal disaster" to describe minor inconveniences or localized issues. Reserve it for events that genuinely threaten the well-being and stability of a large population or community.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "societal disaster" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of adverse event. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing large-scale negative situations affecting communities, as illustrated in various examples.
Frequent in
Science
34%
News & Media
65%
Formal & Business
1%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "societal disaster" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe large-scale negative events affecting communities and social structures. Although Ludwig AI finds its frequency to be rare, its usage is generally correct and appropriate in various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific discussions. When employing this phrase, it's essential to ensure the context warrants its use, reserving it for events with genuine, widespread impacts. Related phrases like "social catastrophe" or "community crisis" can serve as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
social catastrophe
Replaces "disaster" with "catastrophe", emphasizing the scale and suddenness of the event.
community crisis
Focuses on the impact on a specific community rather than society as a whole.
national calamity
Specifies the disaster as affecting the entire nation.
widespread societal collapse
Highlights the breakdown of societal structures and norms.
societal breakdown
Emphasizes the disintegration of social order and cohesion.
systemic failure
Points to a failure within the systems and structures of society.
collective trauma
Focuses on the psychological impact on the population.
social devastation
Emphasizes the destructive impact on social structures and relationships.
collapse of civilization
Suggests a complete and irreversible disintegration of societal norms and institutions.
social unraveling
Implies a gradual and progressive disintegration of social bonds.
FAQs
What does "societal disaster" mean?
"Societal disaster" refers to a major event or situation that negatively impacts society as a whole, disrupting its normal functioning and causing widespread harm.
How can I use "societal disaster" in a sentence?
You can use "societal disaster" to describe events like pandemics, widespread economic collapses, or major environmental catastrophes that have significant negative consequences for society. For example: "The pandemic has been a "societal disaster", impacting health, economy, and social structures worldwide."
What are some synonyms for "societal disaster"?
Synonyms for "societal disaster" include "social catastrophe", "community crisis", or "national calamity", depending on the specific context and scale of the event.
Is "societal disaster" a formal or informal term?
"Societal disaster" is a relatively neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's most appropriate for analytical or descriptive writing about significant events.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.2/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested