Cataclysmic

usgb/ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk/
adjective

Relating to a catastrophic and destructive event.

The cataclysmic earthquake left the city in ruins.
Visual representation of "cataclysmic" - Relating to a catastrophic and destructive event

Often appears as...

  • cataclysmic event
  • cataclysmic disaster
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cataclysmic"
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Emotional Intensity

Used to evoke strong feelings about the severity of an event.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Witnesses described the hurricane's landfall as cataclysmic.
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Often Hyperbolic

Sometimes exaggerates the impact when used in casual speech.

Illustration for Often Hyperbolic
Their defeat in the sports championship was described as cataclysmic.
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Extremes Only

Appropriate for describing very large-scale disasters, not minor ones.

Illustration for Extremes Only
A cataclysmic volcanic eruption would affect global climate.
Word comparison image

Compare with

apocalypticcalamitouscatastrophicdestructivedevastatedisastrousruinoustragic
Visual representation of the word "Cataclysmic"

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