cataclysmic

American

[kat-uh-kliz-mik] / ˌkæt əˈklɪz mɪk /

Or cataclysmal

adjective

of, relating to, or resulting from a cataclysm.
of the nature of, or having the effect of, a cataclysm.

cataclysmic changes.

Other Word Forms

cataclysmically adverb
noncataclysmal adjective
noncataclysmic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cataclysmic

First recorded in 1850–55; cataclysm + -ic

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.

Even amid cataclysmic energy shocks and relentless spates of white-collar layoffs, the American economic engine appears to be humming along smoothly.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Other observers warned of potentially cataclysmic consequences in court for Meta and other Silicon Valley giants.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

"These extinctions were driven by relatively rapid climate shifts and cataclysmic volcanic eruptions," says Dr. Scofield.

From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026

During oral arguments before the Supreme Court in December, Joshua Rosenkranz, an attorney representing Cox, had warned of "cataclysmic" consequences if the court did not limit the company's copyright liability.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

If something cataclysmic was going to happen, Simas would spot it early.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023