calamitous

adjective

kə-ˈla-mə-təs How to pronounce calamitous (audio)
Definition of calamitousnext
1
as in disastrous
bringing about ruin or misfortune a calamitous decision to sell their products online exclusively ruined the business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in devastating
causing or tending to cause destruction a calamitous flood that destroyed the town's central business district

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of calamitous For smaller private colleges that are tuition dependent and lack substantial and accessible endowments, even a modest reduction in enrollment could prove calamitous. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026 Beyond just one calamitous year, Payton took over a team that had lost its way for nearly a decade since Peyton Manning retired after Super Bowl 50. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 11 June 2026 Scotland fought hard, and might have snatched a point after scoring a penalty kick to tie the game 1–1, but, in the seventy-fourth minute, Cafu attacked, causing enough panic in the Scotland box to force a calamitous own goal. — Ed Caesar, New Yorker, 16 June 2026 There was an irony, then, that Romo was responsible for their winning goal — profiting from a calamitous defensive mix-up between South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyuk in the 50th minute. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for calamitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for calamitous
  1. disastrous
  2. devastating
  3. fatal
  4. destructive
  5. unfortunate
  6. catastrophic
Adjective
  • The last time Rushing caught Ohtani, the pitcher took over pitch-calling after a disastrous second inning against the Twins last week.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Since his disastrous tenure with the New York Yankees from 2016 to 2022, which included a suspension for violating MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy, Chapman has worked to turn around his career.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of disastrous
Adjective
  • In other words, a more restrictive immigration stance is not just a policy change, but presents a health care issue that could be devastating to millions of American families, said Pillai, who co-authored the KFF report.
    — Sharon Epperson, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • Critics counter that the abrupt withdrawal of aid is already having devastating humanitarian consequences.
    — W. Gyude Moore, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of devastating
Adjective
  • Although most people recover from Legionnaires' disease with antibiotics, certain patients -- including those who are immunocompromised or who suffer from chronic lung diseases -- can develop complications that can be fatal.
    — Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • The Grand Prairie Police Department is investigating a fatal crash in which a passenger vehicle hit a pedestrian.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of fatal
Adjective
  • Sinlaku’s slow movement (in contrast to Bavi) worsened impacts by keeping destructive winds and torrential rain over the islands for hours, rather than moving through quickly.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The fire burned simultaneously with the similarly destructive Eaton Fire in Altadena and other communities in the foothills of the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.
    — Daily News, Daily News, 4 July 2026
Definition of destructive
Adjective
  • As attendees were escorted out of the Great American State Fair on Sunday because of inclement weather, guests noticed an unfortunate typo displayed on a digital billboard at the National Mall.
    — Mike Stunson, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • They should be trained not to ask a bunch of questions about the medical condition, express doubt, comment that the timing is unfortunate or share private information with co-workers.
    — Seth Turner, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of unfortunate
Adjective
  • On the narrow question of AI’s most catastrophic risks, the major powers are beginning to agree.
    — Mark Minevich, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Preexisting callus consistent with a repetitive stress injury leading to a catastrophic musculoskeletal failure.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of catastrophic

Browse Nearby Words

calamities
calamitous
calamity
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Cite this Entry

“Calamitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/calamitous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calamitous

Nglish: Translation of calamitous for Spanish Speakers

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