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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something on the scale of a cataclysm — hugely destructive.
Common pairings
cataclysmic event
cataclysmic failure
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cataclysmic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more cataclysmic
- Superlative
- most cataclysmic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The flood had a _____ effect on the town's infrastructure.
Etymology
From cataclysm plus the adjective suffix -ic.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
