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.
In fact, Hansen’s long-term forecast was disastrous for Republicans. Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025 During that time, the theory was wrong, but arguably not disastrous in its practical consequences. Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 24 Dec. 2025 Andrew previously stepped back from his public duties in 2019 in the wake of a disastrous interview with the BBC about the Epstein scandal. Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025 Wednesday’s high risk is Southern California’s first since February 5, 2024, when disastrous flooding killed at least two people and triggered more than 100 mudslides. Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 23 Dec. 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 2 Jan. 2026.

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