Search Dictionary
Definition of catastrophic

catastrophic

/ˌkæt̬.əˈstrɑː.fɪk/
cat · a · stroph · ic
Adverb:catastrophically
JUMP TO:

catastrophic Lexical Profile

catastrophic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Involving or causing sudden, widespread, and severe damage, destruction, or suffering.

Example

"Coastal engineers designed the seawall to withstand catastrophic storm surges and protect the harbor."

2

Extremely unsuccessful, ruinous, or ending in complete failure.

Example

"Ignoring the early warning signs led to a catastrophic collapse of the company's supply chain."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for catastrophic
Antonyms
View all antonyms for catastrophic

• Rhymes for catastrophic

• Nearby Words

cataract
catarata del toro
catastrophe
catastrophic
catastrophically
catastrophize
catatonia

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Ancient Greek 'katastrophikos', from 'katastrophe' meaning 'an overturning' or 'sudden end', combining 'kata-' (down) and 'strephein' (to turn).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Catastrophic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/catastrophic
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.