NSW Opportunity Class

Learn “Catastrophe”

A free exam-vocabulary guide with a precise meaning, natural context and a memory connection that makes the word easier to retrieve.

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NSW Opportunity Class

Catastrophe

noun/kuh-TAS-truh-fee/

Meaning

A sudden event that causes great damage or suffering.

In context

Forgetting his lines felt like a catastrophe to Leo, but the play went on.

Remember it

Catastrophe sounds dramatic for a dramatic thing; a 'cat-astrophe' is a huge, sudden disaster.

Use it well

Use for a serious disaster; it can also be used for a smaller personal calamity.