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.

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Science Daily

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

Perhaps he causes such extensive mayhem because he is the unintended side effect of a cataclysmic experiment.

From Salon

Though not cataclysmic, sustained prices at these levels will do damage.

From The Wall Street Journal

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