disaster

[dih-zas-ter, -zah-ster] / dɪˈzæs tər, -ˈzɑ stər /

NOUN

accident, trouble

Synonyms

STRONGEST

calamity catastrophe collapse crash debacle defeat emergency failure fiasco flood harm hazard holocaust mishap setback tragedy woe

STRONG

adversity affliction bale bane blight blow bust casualty cataclysm collision depression exigency fall flop grief misadventure mischance misfortune reverse rock rough ruin ruination stroke undoing upset washout

WEAK

act of God bad luck bad news bad thing fell stroke hard luck hot water ill luck the worst

Antonyms

STRONGEST

achievement advantage attainment benefit blessing boon good fortune good luck happiness joy miracle success victory win wonder

STRONG

aid building creation encouragement fortune health help prosperity triumph

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.

He worked for George Soros’s Quantum Fund and correctly believed disaster loomed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Home insurers pitch policies as a financial peace-of-mind safety net, but in a disaster customers can find the apparent guarantee of compensation evaporates.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

When he heard about the disaster at Liushenyu, he says his "mind just went blank".

From BBC • May 31, 2026

By the time it ends up in everything from M&Ms to medicines to makeup, few consumers or businesses know they’re contributing to the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Both men knew precisely how to prepare a home or business for disaster.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith

Vocabulary lists containing disaster

Did You Planet? Words With Surprisingly Spacey Origins

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Oh, My Stars! A Solstice Sampler

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Calamity, Catastrophe, and Crisis: Disaster Words

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!