Definitions

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.

For someone planning to draw income within a few years, it can be a portfolio disaster.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

RuPaul’s affection for everything inane, disgusting and gloriously stupid lends itself perfectly to a disaster spoof like “Stop! That! Train!.”

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

While dads have reasons to be concerned by plummeting levels of testosterone, a modest dip isn’t necessarily a disaster — in fact, it can make men better parents and partners.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

The country's national disaster agency said reports of casualties were "still being verified".

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

The night before, they had been sure that the spent fuel pools were on the brink of disaster.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

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!