B1nounenvironmentnature
US/dɪˈzæs.tər/
UK/dɪˈzɑː.stə/
something very bad that causes great damage or suffering, or a complete failure
In context
The typhoon was the worst natural disaster in the region for twenty years.
My first attempt at making banh xeo was a complete disaster.
Leaving the gas on could have led to disaster.
Words that go with disaster
adjective + noun
- natural disasterFloods and landslides are the most common natural disasters in central Vietnam.
- complete disasterThe party was a complete disaster because it rained all night.
- environmental disasterThe oil spill was an environmental disaster for the coast.
verb + preposition
- end in disasterTheir trip almost ended in disaster when the car broke down.
noun + noun
- disaster reliefThe company donated money for disaster relief.
noun + preposition
- recipe for disasterDriving fast in heavy rain is a recipe for disaster.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
There was a disaster on my way home; a bike hit me.Correct: There was an accident on my way home; a bike hit me.