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calamity

noun

/kəlæmɪti/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of calamity

A disastrous or catastrophic event that brings about great distress, suffering, or loss.
"The pandemic has been a global calamity, affecting millions of lives."

Detailed meaning of calamity

It is an extreme and often unexpected occurrence that causes widespread damage, destruction, or adversity. Calamities can take various forms, such as natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or fires, or they can be man-made, like wars, industrial accidents, or economic crises. Calamities typically have severe consequences, impacting individuals, communities, or even entire regions. They result in significant human suffering, loss of life, displacement, and material damage. Calamities often disrupt normal routines, infrastructure, and social systems, requiring emergency response, relief efforts, and long-term recovery initiatives. The term "calamity" conveys a sense of immense tragedy and the need for collective action and support to overcome the resulting challenges.

Example sentences containing calamity

1. The earthquake brought upon a calamity, leaving the city in ruins.
2. The sudden stock market crash caused a financial calamity for investors.
3. The hurricane's path of destruction was considered a calamity for coastal communities.
4. The war resulted in a calamity, with widespread devastation and loss of life.
5. The factory explosion was a calamity that took years to recover from.
6. The drought in the region has brought upon an agricultural calamity.

History and etymology of calamity

The noun 'calamity' traces its origins to the Latin language, specifically from the Latin word 'calamitas.' In Latin, 'calamitas' referred to various kinds of misfortunes, including crop failure, financial ruin, and disasters in general. The exact root of 'calamitas' is uncertain, but it may have connections to the Latin word 'clades,' meaning 'destruction' or 'loss in battle.' Over time, 'calamity' made its way into English, maintaining its sense of a disastrous or catastrophic event that brings about great distress, suffering, or loss. Its etymology highlights the historical understanding of adverse events that could wreak havoc on individuals, communities, or societies, emphasizing the severity of such occurrences.

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Further usage examples of calamity

1. The terrorist attack on the city was a tragic calamity that shook the nation.
2. The shipwreck was a calamity that claimed many lives at sea.
3. The forest fire turned into a calamity, destroying vast stretches of land and wildlife.
4. The economic recession caused a calamity, with businesses shutting down and unemployment rates soaring.
5. The chemical spill in the river led to an environmental calamity, affecting ecosystems and endangering wildlife.
6. The earthquake was a calamity that devastated the city.
7. The flood was a natural calamity that displaced thousands.
8. The pandemic has been a global calamity, affecting millions.
9. The hurricane's impact was a calamity for coastal communities.
10. The war's aftermath left a trail of calamity and destruction.
11. The forest fire was a calamity for wildlife and ecosystems.
12. The economic downturn was a financial calamity for many.
13. The famine in the region is a continuing calamity.
14. The terrorist attack was a national calamity.
15. The nuclear accident was a calamity with long-term effects.
16. The shipwreck was a maritime calamity, with loss of life.
17. The plane crash was an aviation calamity.
18. The tornado's path of destruction was a local calamity.
19. The drought was an agricultural calamity, leading to crop failure.
20. The oil spill was an environmental calamity.
21. The stock market crash was an economic calamity.
22. The tsunami was a natural calamity that struck without warning.
23. The epidemic was a public health calamity.
24. The wildfire was a calamity that threatened homes.
25. The factory explosion was an industrial calamity.