calamitous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of calamitous
First recorded in 1535–45; calamit(y) + -ous
Explanation
A calamitous event is one that leads to a catastrophe — like the calamitous crashing of your parents' car into the garage door. Calamitous is an adjective that is generally used to describe events, and these events are disastrous or destructive. A failed election can be a calamitous event for a politician, especially if he loses by a landslide. Ever heard of Calamity Jane? She was known for her wild, calamitous behavior in the Wild West during the 19th century. Steer clear of anyone with a name like Calamity.
Vocabulary lists containing calamitous
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 8–13
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
President Trump's Second State of the Union Address (2019)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He is also a survivor of the calamitous 1999 floods.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
Scotland's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time are in significant peril with calamitous defending allowed Brazil to win 3-0 in Miami and finish top of Group C.
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
Zubrin linked Musk's potential for failure to French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's calamitous campaign in Russia.
From Barron's ● Jun. 12, 2026
The conflict has been calamitous for much of Asia’s petrochemicals industry, which largely relies on oil from the Middle East to make ingredients for everything from PVC pipes to paracetamol.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026
Gonzalo’s quest descended rapidly from the quixotic to the calamitous.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
