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

Smart as ever, the animals came to suburban yards for food, with disastrous consequences. —Literary Hub, 8 Jan. 2026

Gonzales is the first officer to face trial in connection with the disastrous law enforcement response to the massacre. —Matthew J. Friedman, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

Continue reading … SURVIVING THE CUT – Despite another disastrous season and a head-coaching shake-up, the New York Giants are sticking with general manager Joe Schoen. —Staff, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

This is why, for providers like Young, a freeze on federal child care subsidies could be immediately disastrous since providers rely on this bimonthly income to pay staff salaries, rent, utilities and food for kids. —Beki San Martin, Freep.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1