unforeseen calamity

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "unforeseen calamity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and disastrous event or situation. Example: The company had prepared for any potential problems, but they were not prepared for the unforeseen calamity of a global pandemic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"An enormous, unforeseen calamity has taken place," it read.

The New Yorker

Barring an unforeseen calamity, the Federal Reserve will raise short-term interest rates this week.

The Washington Post

For a while the soldiers live in edgy expectation of unforeseen calamity.

The New York Times

Barring unforeseen calamity, they're on the way to do just that.

The Guardian - Sport

Barring some unforeseen calamity, it's quite likely that 2014 will be the first year since the housing bubble in which G.D.P. growth reaches three per cent.

The New Yorker

The Wright brothers waited days for the wind to be just right, only to have the day foiled by some other unforeseen calamity.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Under the commission's new plan, those firms would have to put aside enough cash to cover unforeseen calamities.

The New York Times

Known as credit default swaps, the contracts offer the same kind of protection a homeowner receives from an insurance policy against fires and other unforeseen calamities.

The New York Times

It appears as if much of the world's nuclear waste will remain on or near the surface and vulnerable to unforeseen calamities.

BBC

The process of excavating the one-ton presses from a backyard into the street, then up via crane onto a truck, ran into a host of unforeseen calamities.

Vice

Again, 2008 has proven a cautionary tale for hedge funds and others worried about unforeseen market calamity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unforeseen calamity" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and disastrous nature of an event, especially in formal or journalistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "unforeseen calamity" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unexpected problem" or "sudden setback."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseen calamity" functions as a noun phrase, where "unforeseen" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "calamity". As Ludwig AI shows, it's often used to describe unexpected and severe negative events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unforeseen calamity" is a noun phrase that denotes an unexpected and disastrous event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts to emphasize the surprise and severity of a situation. While synonyms like "unexpected disaster" or "sudden catastrophe" exist, "unforeseen calamity" is best suited for formal writing and carries a weight of negativity that makes it less appropriate for casual conversation. To employ it effectively, remember its formal tone and the significance of the event you're describing, while avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected disaster

Replaces "calamity" with "disaster" emphasizing the disastrous nature of the event and "unforeseen" with "unexpected" focusing on the surprise element.

sudden catastrophe

Substitutes "unforeseen" with "sudden", highlighting the abruptness and "calamity" with "catastrophe" focusing on scale of destruction.

unpredicted misfortune

Uses "misfortune" instead of "calamity" focusing on the adverse fate or luck involved; "unpredicted" replaces "unforeseen" with emphasis on the lack of anticipation.

chance misfortune

Substitutes "chance" for "unforeseen", denoting the random, accidental nature of the event. "Misfortune" replaces "calamity", softening the intensity of the event.

unexpected adverse event

Replaces "calamity" with "adverse event", providing a more neutral tone, and "unforeseen" with "unexpected", stressing the surprise.

bolt from the blue

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey suddenness and unexpectedness, implying a complete lack of warning.

unanticipated crisis

Replaces "calamity" with "crisis", implying a situation of instability and danger and replacing "unforeseen" with "unanticipated" focusing on the lack of anticipation.

surprise tragedy

Uses "tragedy" instead of "calamity" highlighting the sorrowful and grievous nature of the event, and replaces "unforeseen" with "surprise" emphasizing the unexpectedness.

unexpected turn of events

This phrase describes a sudden and negative change in circumstances, focusing on the surprise and change in direction.

stroke of bad luck

Replaces the more formal "unforeseen calamity" with a more casual phrase indicating a sudden and unwelcome event.

FAQs

How can I use "unforeseen calamity" in a sentence?

You can use "unforeseen calamity" to describe an unexpected and disastrous event, for example: "The company had contingency plans, but they were no match for the "unforeseen calamity" that struck."

What's a good synonym for "unforeseen calamity"?

Alternatives include "unexpected disaster", "sudden catastrophe", or "unpredicted misfortune", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unforeseen calamity" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "unforeseen calamity" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant and unexpected negative events. However, be mindful of the tone and avoid hyperbole.

What's the difference between "unforeseen calamity" and "unforeseen challenge"?

"Unforeseen calamity" implies a disastrous event, while "unforeseen challenge" suggests an unexpected obstacle that needs to be overcome. The former carries a heavier weight of negativity and consequence.