Main Entry:

ca·lam·i·ty

Pronunciation:

\kə-ˈla-mə-tē\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural ca·lam·i·ties

Etymology:

Middle English calamytey, from Latin calamitat-, calamitas; perhaps akin to Latin clades destruction

Date:

15th century

1 : a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss 2 : a disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering <calamities of nature> <an economic calamity>