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causing or involving great damage or distress; disastrous.
synonyms:disastrouscatastrophic
The word 'calamitous' originates from the Latin 'calamitosus,' which means 'full of calamity or disaster.' It was adopted into English in the late 14th century, evolving from the root 'calamity,' which refers to a state of distress or misfortune.
The term is often used in literary contexts, historical discussions, and in describing events with severe negative impacts, making it suitable for both formal and creative writing.
While not used every day, 'calamitous' appears in discussions about significant disasters, literature, and formal contexts, keeping it relevant but not commonplace.
The calamitous flood destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced thousands of residents.
Her calamitous decision to invest all her savings in the failing company left her in financial ruin.
The team's calamitous performance in the championship game shocked their loyal fans.
The word 'calamitous' paints a vivid picture of disaster and misfortune. With roots in Latin, its history reflects the human experiences of loss and struggle. While it may not be a word you hear every day, it certainly packs a punch when describing events that go horribly wrong. Use it to add a dramatic flair to your writing, whether you're recounting a historical event or penning a fictional tale of woe.