natural disaster

American  

[nach-er-uhl-di-zas-ter] / ˈnætʃ ər əl dɪˈzæs tər /

noun

1. a sudden, severe event in nature, such as a flood, earthquake, wildfire, etc., especially one that causes widespread damage and harm.

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Example Sentences

Natural disaster losses worldwide dropped sharply to $224 billion in 2025, reinsurer Munich Re said Tuesday, but warned of a still "alarming" picture of extreme weather events likely driven by climate change.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

Natural disaster is one aspect of the story.

From Washington Post • Feb. 6, 2023

“It could be anything unexpected. Natural disaster, flood, fire, illness, a death — you don’t know. The idea is: Don’t wait until it’s too late.”

From New York Times • Oct. 6, 2017

Natural disaster researchers Roger Pielke Jr. and Christopher Landsea reckon that if it struck now, the bill would approach $200 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2015

Related: Vanuatu disaster: the island hit by an earthquake, a volcano then cyclone Pam Natural disaster recovery will be fresh on their minds.

From The Guardian • Sep. 5, 2015