B2nounformalconflictenvironment
US/kəˈtæs.trə.fi/
UK/kəˈtæs.trə.fi/
a sudden event that causes great damage, suffering or failure
In context
The flood was a catastrophe for the farmers in the valley.
Experts warn that climate change could lead to environmental catastrophe.
Losing the contract would be a financial catastrophe for the company.
Words that go with catastrophe
verb + noun
- avert a catastropheQuick action helped avert a catastrophe.
adjective + noun
- environmental catastropheOil spills can cause an environmental catastrophe.
- a total catastropheThe party was a total catastrophe.
- natural catastropheInsurance covers natural catastrophe such as floods.
noun + preposition
- catastrophe forThe decision was a catastrophe for small businesses.
verb + preposition
- lead to catastropheIgnoring the warning signs could lead to catastrophe.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
catastrophyCorrect: catastrophe