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extreme event

American  
[ik-streem i-vent] / ɪkˈstrim ɪˈvɛnt /

noun

Meteorology, Climatology.
  1. an episode of weather, climate, or environmental conditions that is severe and unexpected or abnormal for the location or season.


Etymology

Origin of extreme event

First recorded in 1965–70

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.

See Examples For:

The strategists explain why markets went up so much and why the fatter tail — the rising probability of an extreme event — suggests they could fall in the near future.

From MarketWatch May 18, 2026

The study also shows that each extreme event is now producing more meltwater than similar events in the past.

From Science Daily May 4, 2026

"And then such an extreme event takes place, and in a way, liberates everything -- all the emotions, all the ideas and the passions, all the terrible things."

From Barron's Apr. 3, 2026

While cracks may not show on an ordinary weather day, “the problem is when there is an extreme event or a disaster or an emergency,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 18, 2025

Our safety depends upon our being in readiness for the extreme event.

From The Writings of Samuel Adams - Volume 3 by Cushing, Harry Alonzo

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