Vocabulary Spotlight
Calamity
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A disastrous event causing great distress, damage, or suffering.
“The earthquake was a calamity that left thousands of people homeless.”
Pronunciation
[kuh-lam-i-tee]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Catastrophe
Tragedy
Misfortune
Adversity
Antonyms
Fortune
Benefit
Prosperity
Success
Related Words
Crisis (noun)
Hardship (noun)
Word Origin
“Calamity” originates from the Latin “calamitas,” meaning “damage” or “disaster.” The term entered the English language in the 15th century, referring to events causing extreme misfortune or destruction.
Word Family
Noun: Calamity – A disastrous event causing great distress.
Adjective: Calamitous – Causing or involving calamity; disastrous.
Related Noun: Catastrophe – A sudden and severe disaster.
Mnemonics
Catastrophic Attack Lands Accidental Misery In Troubled Years
This mnemonic reminds us that a calamity is a catastrophic event with serious consequences.
Industry-specific Usage
Emergency Management
In emergency management, a calamity refers to any event, such as natural disasters or accidents, that disrupts lives and requires significant response efforts.
Insurance
In insurance, calamity coverage is sometimes offered to protect against losses due to unforeseen disasters like floods, earthquakes, or fires.
History
In historical studies, calamities like famines, plagues, and wars are analyzed for their profound impact on societies and cultures.
In Context
In everyday conversation, a calamity may refer to any unfortunate event, from accidents to personal setbacks, though it usually implies significant impact.
In literature, calamities often serve as turning points for characters, presenting them with major challenges or pushing them into action.
Globally, calamities like natural disasters affect millions, prompting international relief efforts and raising awareness of the need for disaster preparedness.