disastrous

adjective

di·​sas·​trous di-ˈza-strəs 

also -ˈsa-

1

: attended by or causing suffering or disaster : calamitous

a disastrous flood

2

: terrible, horrendous

a disastrous score

disastrously adverb

Synonyms of disastrous

• fatal
• unfortunate
• catastrophic

Examples of disastrous in a Sentence

Half the city was destroyed by a disastrous fire.

The bad weather could have a disastrous effect on the area's tourism industry.

His failure to back up the computer files had disastrous consequences.

The strike was economically disastrous.

Recent Examples on the Web

Longs Peak is the tallest summit in the national park and affords stunning views but it is also known to see rapid, potentially disastrous changes in weather. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 7 July 2026

The last time Rushing caught Ohtani, the pitcher took over pitch-calling after a disastrous second inning against the Twins last week. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Since his disastrous tenure with the New York Yankees from 2016 to 2022, which included a suspension for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy, Chapman has worked to turn around his career. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Idaho puts legal restrictions on the use and disposal of fireworks to prevent disastrous wildfires could pose harm to residents, neighborhoods and wildlife, according to previous Idaho Statesman reporting. — Hali Smith july 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1