calamity
Calamity (noun) means a serious event that causes great damage, suffering, or loss. Example: “The flood was the worst calamity the town had seen in decades.”
How to Use Calamity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA disaster or major misfortune, often on a large scale.
Don't confuse with "calumny," which means a false, damaging statement about someone.
Word Forms
calamities plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The flood was the worst _____ the town had seen in decades.
Etymology
From Latin calamitas, meaning "damage" or "disaster."
Rhymes for calamity
See all rhymes for calamity →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “calamity” mean?
The word “calamity” means a serious event that causes great damage, suffering, or loss. In plain terms, a disaster or major misfortune, often on a large scale.
How do you pronounce “calamity”?
“Calamity” is pronounced kuh-LA-mih-tee (/kəˈlæmɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “calamity” in a sentence?
Here is “calamity” used in a sentence: “The flood was the worst calamity the town had seen in decades.”
What part of speech is “calamity”?
“Calamity” is a noun.
Where does the word “calamity” come from?
The word “calamity” comes from Latin. From Latin calamitas, meaning "damage" or "disaster.".
Is “calamity” a common word?
“Calamity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.