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disastrous

adjective

di-ˈza-strəs How to pronounce disastrous (audio)
Definition of disastrousnext
1
as in fatal
bringing about ruin or misfortune a split-second, disastrous decision that I would forever regret

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction a disastrous fire from which the town never fully recovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of disastrous Much will depend on the ability of government forces to improve coordination after the disastrous western shore retreat. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2026 After a disastrous 3-14 season in 2025, Glenn fired half his coaching staff and brought in experienced assistants, including offensive coordinator Frank Reich. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026 The disastrous confrontation creates another problem for the CIA, with the political fallout potentially pulling the team into a new operation involving Mali and the Tuareg Rebellion. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026 Where his focus has been following the Dolphins’ special team unit’s disastrous performance in Miami’s 27-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders is patching the leaks that led to three massive returns to the Raiders and a missing a field-goal attempt. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disastrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disastrous
  1. fatal
  2. devastating
  3. unfortunate
  4. destructive
  5. catastrophic
Adjective
  • In its statement, FARDC said an investigation to determine the actual circumstances and the exact causes of the fatal plane crash was already underway.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
  • As flu season approaches, TikTokers are spreading a homemade elixir to supposedly boost the immune system that experts warn could in fact cause the fatal disease botulism.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • Nearly a month after the first in a devastating string of beluga deaths at Shedd Aquarium, its officials Friday offered preliminary answers about what may have gone wrong.
    — Lila Hempel-Edgers, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The memory has historically been prone to devastating boom-and-bust cycles.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of devastating
Adjective
  • These unfortunate souls were supposed to stay in their birthplace, hoping church charity would sustain them.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Artistic but flighty, Deborah ends up at her parents’ alma mater when an unfortunate incident gets her NYU Tisch School of the Arts acceptance rescinded.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of unfortunate
Adjective
  • But most destructive is the voice of Jamal’s stepdad, which is a negative, paranoid voice that tries to convince him to doubt the intentions of those around him.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Such capabilities can potentially affect military intelligence, communications, and navigation without creating the debris associated with destructive anti-satellite missile tests.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of destructive
Adjective
  • An ugly game-ending arm injury suffered by Washington starting quarterback Jayden Daniels on the final play of the first half, which caused Fox Sports analyst Tom Brady to curse on air, had a catastrophic effect on the Commanders’ chances.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • These findings meaningfully raise the odds of either a massive settlement and licensing deal or, failing that, a Times victory at trial that would be catastrophic for the defendants and enormously remunerative for the plaintiff.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of catastrophic

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disasters
disastrous
disastrously
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Cite this Entry

“Disastrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disastrous. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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