disastrous
/dɪˈzɑː.stɹəs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Of the nature of a disaster; calamitous.
Adjective
Examples
In addition, he was also able to reinforce the unease among progressive Democratic-leaning voters over Clinton’s disastrous pro-interventionist positions, thereby suppressing turnout and encouraging third party support in some key swing states that made the difference in his Electoral College victor
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Foreboding disaster; ill-omened.
Adjective
Examples
A fearsome sight it was to behold how he swelled in his wrath, and his eyes blazed like disastrous stars at midnight, and being wood with anger he gnashed his teeth till the froth stood at his lips and slavered down his chin.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “disastrous” mean?
Of the nature of a disaster; calamitous.
Is “disastrous” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.