adj

cataclysmic

ka-tuh-KLIHZ-mihk

Cataclysmic (adj) means causing or resembling a cataclysm; extremely destructive or disastrous. Example: “The flood had a cataclysmic effect on the town's infrastructure.”

adj

Causing or resembling a cataclysm; extremely destructive or disastrous.

"The flood had a cataclysmic effect on the town's infrastructure."

How to Use Cataclysmic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something on the scale of a cataclysm — hugely destructive.

Common pairings

cataclysmic event cataclysmic failure

Word Forms

more cataclysmic comparative, most cataclysmic superlative

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The flood had a _____ effect on the town's infrastructure.

Etymology

From cataclysm plus the adjective suffix -ic.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “cataclysmic” mean?

The word “cataclysmic” means causing or resembling a cataclysm; extremely destructive or disastrous. In plain terms, describes something on the scale of a cataclysm — hugely destructive.

How do you pronounce “cataclysmic”?

“Cataclysmic” is pronounced ka-tuh-KLIHZ-mihk (/ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “cataclysmic” in a sentence?

Here is “cataclysmic” used in a sentence: “The flood had a cataclysmic effect on the town's infrastructure.”

What part of speech is “cataclysmic”?

“Cataclysmic” is an adjective.