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.

---

Example Sentences

“One thing is to provide short-term aid after a natural disaster such as a hurricane or an earthquake,” said oil expert Francisco Barnés de Castro, a former dean of Mexico’s National Autonomous University.

From The Wall Street Journal

It could, for example, lead to states saying that federal agents can’t come in to help people in a natural disaster.

From Salon

The phenomenon of panic buying, or overspending on goods before a natural disaster, is well documented.

From MarketWatch

And there wasn’t even a natural disaster to blame—or me forgetting to pay a bill.

From The Wall Street Journal

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