Definitions

disastrous

[dih-zas-truhs, -zah-struhs] / dɪˈzæs trəs, -ˈzɑ strəs /

ADJECTIVE

detrimental, devastating

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adverse calamitous cataclysmic catastrophic destructive dire dreadful fatal fateful harmful ill-fated ruinous terrible tragic unfavorable unfortunate

WEAK

cataclysmal hapless ill-starred luckless unlucky unpropitious untoward

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantageous aiding assisting blessed favorable fortunate good happy healthful helpful life-giving lucky nice trivial unimportant wonderful

WEAK

miraculous prosperous successful triumphant winning wondrous

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.

A previous commission candidate dropped out of the running after a disastrous hearing before the council.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

In April 2025, UnitedHealth posted a disastrous earnings report and slashed its guidance, causing the share price to plummet.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

While holding 22% of your assets in cash seems like a lot, it’s far from disastrous.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

Prior to this road trip, the furthest my dog had traveled from home was Mississippi — about two hours away — for a disastrous night in a cabin I’d rented for my ex’s 40th birthday.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

Not until Major Major was enrolling in kindergarten was the discovery of his real name made, and then the effects were disastrous.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing disastrous

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