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disaster

noun
di·​sas·​ter | \ di-ˈza-stÉ™r How to pronounce disaster (audio) , -ˈsa- How to pronounce disaster (audio) \

Definition of disaster

1 : a sudden calamitous event bringing great damage, loss, or destruction natural disasters broadly : a sudden or great misfortune or failure The party was a disaster.
2 obsolete, occult : an unfavorable aspect (see aspect sense 2a) of a planet or star
Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about disaster

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Did You Know?

Disaster has its roots in the belief that the positions of stars influence the fate of humans, often in destructive ways; its original meaning in English was "an unfavorable aspect of a planet or star." The word comes to us through Middle French and the Old Italian word disastro, from the Latin prefix dis- and Latin astro, meaning "star." Another unfortunate word that comes to us from astrological beliefs is "ill-starred." Now generally used in the sense of "unlucky" or "having or destined to a hapless fate," "ill-starred" was originally used literally to describe someone born under or guided by an evil star. We also have star-crossed, meaning "not favored by the stars" or "ill-fated."

Examples of disaster in a Sentence

The program examined several bridge failures and other engineering disasters. The new regulations could be a disaster for smaller businesses. They're trying to find a way to avoid disaster. The dinner party was a complete disaster.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The study has some big limitations and can't prove that dust or anything else about the disaster caused increased heart risks. — CBS News, "9/11 firefighters who arrived early at World Trade Center may have higher heart risks now," 6 Sep. 2019 The study has some big limitations and can’t prove that dust or anything else about the disaster caused increased heart risks. — Washington Post, "Some 9/11 firefighters may have higher heart risks now," 6 Sep. 2019 Treasure Cay seemed to be facing the disaster with a resignation that some residents attributed to two things: a deep religiousness among the Bahamian population, and a longstanding familiarity with hurricanes. — New York Times, "How One Bahamian Town, Nearly Destroyed, Is Coping After Dorian," 6 Sep. 2019 Multiple investigations into the disaster are focused on determining what happened and have not become a criminal probe, though Brown said charges are possible. — Stefanie Dazio, Anchorage Daily News, "Victims of fire on dive boat off California were killed by smoke, authorities say," 6 Sep. 2019 That money is meant to help cities and states rebuild after a disaster. — Christopher Flavelle, BostonGlobe.com, "As disasters multiply, billions in recovery funds go unspent," 5 Sep. 2019 Investigators have so far interviewed surviving crew members and others connected to the worst maritime disaster in recent California history, which killed 34 people. — Los Angeles Times, "Early investigation of boat fire suggests serious safety flaws aboard vessel where 34 died," 5 Sep. 2019 Sirens will sound, warning messages will be sent to all mobile phones and the national broadcaster will report on the disaster. — Time, "This Lithuanian City Played Host to Filming For HBO's 'Chernobyl.' It's Now Preparing for Its Own Nuclear Radiation Leak," 4 Sep. 2019 Established in 1970, the city had reached a population of nearly 50,000 by the time it was entirely evacuated after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. — Caitlin Morton, Condé Nast Traveler, "Creepy Catacombs, Islands of Dolls, and 18 Other Terrifying Places for Thrill Seekers," 4 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'disaster.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of disaster

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for disaster

Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French desastre, from Old Italian disastro, from dis- (from Latin) + astro star, from Latin astrum — more at astral

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More Definitions for disaster

disaster

noun
How to pronounce disaster (audio) How to pronounce disaster (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of disaster

: something (such as a flood, tornado, fire, plane crash, etc.) that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss to many people
: something that has a very bad effect or result
: a complete or terrible failure

See the full definition for disaster in the English Language Learners Dictionary

disaster

noun
di·​sas·​ter | \ diz-ˈas-tÉ™r How to pronounce disaster (audio) , dis-\

Kids Definition of disaster

: something (as a flood or a tornado) that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss

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More from Merriam-Webster on disaster

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with disaster

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for disaster

Spanish Central: Translation of disaster

Nglish: Translation of disaster for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of disaster for Arabic Speakers

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