calamitous

[ kuh-lam-i-tuhs ]

adjective

1. causing or involving calamity; disastrous:

   a calamitous defeat.

   Synonyms: catastrophic, devastating, ruinous

   Antonyms: advantageous, beneficial

calamitous

/ kəˈlæmɪtəs /

adjective

1. causing, involving, or resulting in a calamity; disastrous

Derived Forms

• caˈlamitously, adverb
• caˈlamitousness, noun

Other Words From

• ca·lami·tous·ly adverb
• ca·lami·tous·ness noun
• unca·lami·tous adjective
• unca·lami·tous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of calamitous¹

First recorded in 1535–45; calamit(y) + -ous

Example Sentences

The effect of the policy on health coverage in Arkansas was calamitous.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dallas Cowboys have gone 12-5 the past three years before calamitous play-off endings just added to the enduring soap opera of 'America's Team' and their pursuit of the good old days.

From BBC

Eroding the public’s confidence in state and federal authorities can prove as dangerous as high winds in a calamitous situation.

From Los Angeles Times

So, the stakes are high – as the Conservative Party approaches its biggest single moment yet since its calamitous election defeat in July.

From BBC

Here, in their own voices, is a chronicle of a calamitous year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adverse
• cataclysmic
• catastrophic
• deadly
• devastating
• dire
• fatal
• grievous
• heartbreaking
• lamentable
• pernicious
• regrettable
• ruinous
• unfavorable
• unfortunate
• woeful