an unexpected event that causes great suffering or damage
It was a catastrophe for my family when my dad lost his job.
The earthquake resulted in a catastrophe, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands of people.
The financial crisis of 2008 was considered a global economic catastrophe with far-reaching consequences.
The hurricane's impact on the coastal town was nothing short of a catastrophe, leaving homes and infrastructure in ruins.
The failure of the dam led to an environmental catastrophe, affecting the ecosystem downstream.
