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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


calamity

noun

Definition: 1. a disaster with serious effects in terms of suffering and harm; 2. distress caused by a disaster

Synonyms: disaster, catastrophe, cataclysm, tragedy, misfortune, distress, affliction

Antonyms: boon, blessing, luck

Tips: Calamity is often a stronger word than disaster, although both describe serious events with suffering and damage as the result. Calamity can be used ironically. For example, losing your shoes is not a calamity; you'll get over it. A catastrophe is a horrible disaster that leads to a great loss of life, even more so than a calamity.

Usage Examples:

The earthquake caused considerable damage and was greater than any previous calamity the town had faced. (disaster, catastrophe)

Nothing had caused such a calamity among the citizens as the loss of so many of their young navy men. (distress, tragedy)

Losing you car keys is not such a calamity; at least you have a spare set. (disaster)

The calamity left many families homeless until their houses could be rebuilt. (catastrophe, disaster)


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