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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.
The Las Vegas Raiders fired Chip Kelly late last month in the midst of a disastrous season, and there have been rumors circulating that Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll did not see eye to eye. Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 In November, manufacturers called on the government to prioritize comprehensive operational reform, bringing to notice the need to upgrade Colombo Port, warning that persistent delays and outdated systems could have disastrous consequences for manufacturers working under strict delivery timelines. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 2 Dec. 2025 Duke’s first appearance in the ACC championship since 2013 opens the door for a disastrous scenario for the conference. Matt Baker, New York Times, 30 Nov. 2025 The fallout has been disastrous for the pageant’s organizers. Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 29 Nov. 2025 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 8 Dec. 2025.

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