disastrous

adjective

di·​sas·​trous di-ˈza-strəs How to pronounce disastrous (audio)
also -ˈsa-
Synonyms of disastrousnext
1
: attended by or causing suffering or disaster : calamitous
a disastrous flood
2
: terrible, horrendous
a disastrous score
disastrously adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
James Harden has played a key role in helping the Clippers become one of the NBA’s hottest teams over the last six weeks despite a disastrous start to their season. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Prosecutors dropped all charges against Martinez and a co-defendant, Anthony Ruiz, just 15 days after Exum’s disastrous admissions. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026 While the Dallas Cowboys are coming off one of their worst defensive seasons in team history, there are still pieces that have proven long-term value on that side of the ball even amid a disastrous season. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Feb. 2026 Moncada fills a need at third base for the Angels, who don't expect to have Anthony Rendon in uniform for the final season of his disastrous $245 million, seven-year contract. CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disastrous

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disastrous was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Disastrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disastrous. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

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