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Definition of calamity

calamity

/kəˈlæməti/
ca · lam · i · ty
Adverb:calamitously
•
Plural:calamities
•
Adjective:calamitous
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calamity Lexical Profile

calamity Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An event causing great and often sudden damage, loss, or distress; a disaster.

Example

"The sudden collapse of the regional banking system was an economic calamity that affected thousands of families."

2

A state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss.

Example

"Years of drought had reduced the once-prosperous farming community to a state of utter calamity."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for calamity

• Nearby Words

calamine
calamitous
calamitously
calamity
calamondin
calandrinia
calathea

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century via Old French from Latin calamitas, which originally referred to a blight, hail, or agricultural ruin affecting crops (traditionally linked to calamus, meaning 'straw' or 'reed').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Calamity. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/calamity
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