this is catastrophic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is catastrophic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that has severe negative consequences or is disastrous in nature. Example: "The sudden loss of power during the storm was catastrophic for the entire community, leaving many without heat or light for days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is catastrophic".

Independent

This is catastrophic for our system.

The Guardian - Music

This is catastrophic for anyone, let alone an eighty-seven-year-old woman.

The New Yorker

"It's not like 'aw, gee, this is catastrophic, we're no chance of winning the flag now'.

The Guardian - Sport

She also told reporters, It's premature to say this is catastrophic.

The New Yorker

"This is catastrophic," said Rachel Howard, director of Resources for Children with Special Needs, a nonprofit organization.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

This meant it became more expensive to import goods, and in an import-dependent economy this was catastrophic.

The Guardian

This was catastrophic, for the sum wasted represented between a third and a half of the available capital in Scotland.

The Economist

But he could not alter it.For a minority of staunch neoconservatives and Atlanticists in Mr Cameron's party, this was catastrophic.

The Economist

This trajectory is catastrophic.

The New York Times

"This mismatch is catastrophic".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is catastrophic" when you want to emphasize the extreme and devastating nature of a situation, ensuring that the context warrants such a strong term. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "this is catastrophic" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for truly dire circumstances to prevent diluting its meaning and sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is catastrophic" functions as a declarative statement expressing a judgment about the severity of a situation. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically correct. It serves to emphasize the extremely negative nature and far-reaching consequences of an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is catastrophic" is a powerful declarative statement used to emphasize the extremely negative and devastating nature of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While effective for conveying alarm and motivating action, it should be reserved for truly dire circumstances to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives such as "this is disastrous" or "this is devastating" may be more suitable for less severe situations. The frequency of the expression is common, suggesting it's a well-recognized and understood way to express extreme negative consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is a disaster

Replaces "catastrophic" with a more general term for a sudden, calamitous event.

this is devastating

Emphasizes the overwhelming and emotionally damaging effects of the event.

this is calamitous

Uses a less common but equally strong synonym for "catastrophic".

this is ruinous

Highlights the destructive and irreparable nature of the situation.

this is a tragedy

Focuses on the grievous and sorrowful aspects of the event, implying loss of life or suffering.

this is appalling

Expresses strong disapproval and shock at the situation.

this is a debacle

Suggests a complete and humiliating failure, often involving public embarrassment.

this spells doom

Indicates that the situation is a sign of inevitable and disastrous future events.

this is the end

Implies a terminal or irreversible outcome, suggesting the cessation of something.

this is the worst case scenario

Identifies the situation as the most unfavorable outcome that could have occurred.

FAQs

How can I use "this is catastrophic" in a sentence?

You can use "this is catastrophic" to describe events with severe negative consequences. For example: "The oil spill "this is catastrophic" for the marine ecosystem" or "If the dam breaks, "this is catastrophic" for the town downstream".

What are some alternatives to "this is catastrophic"?

Alternatives include "this is disastrous", "this is devastating", or "this is a tragedy", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is catastrophic"?

Use "this is catastrophic" when referring to situations that involve widespread damage, severe loss, or have irreversible negative consequences. It's best suited for scenarios with extreme impact.

Is "this is catastrophic" too dramatic for formal writing?

While "this is catastrophic" can be used in formal writing, consider your audience and the specific context. In some cases, a more measured phrase like "this is extremely serious" or "this has grave consequences" might be more appropriate.