German Conversation · Level 80
60 words
German word
katastrophal
Pronunciation
IPA/katastʁoˈfaːl/
Meaning
- adjectivecatastrophic
Example
Die Folgen sind katastrophaler als gedacht.
The consequences are more catastrophic than expected.
More examples
Die Aktion führte zu katastrophalen Verlusten.
The action led to catastrophic losses.
Core concept
A collapse leaves damage on a scale that changes what can happen next.
Common phrases
ein katastrophaler Plan
a catastrophic plan
katastrophale Verluste
catastrophic losses
unter katastrophalen Bedingungen
under catastrophic conditions
Similar words
schrecklich: So unpleasant or frightening that it causes intense distress.
schlimm: So serious and bad that it cannot be ignored or treated lightly.
verheerend: Causing widespread destruction and damage that is difficult to recover from.
fatal: Likely to cause irreversible loss or a disastrous final outcome.
Definition in German
katastrophal beschreibt einen Zustand oder ein Ereignis, das sehr großen Schaden anrichtet und schwerwiegende, oft dauerhafte Folgen hat.
Word origin
Katastrophal comes through French catastrophal and Latin catastrophe from ancient Greek katastrophe, meaning 'overturning' or 'downfall'.
Usage tips
- Katastrophal is a strong adjective, but everyday speech also uses it hyperbolically for very disappointing results.
Other meanings
- terribleadjective
- ruinousadjective
Opposites
- günstigfavorableadjective
Related words
- katastrophischcatastrophicadjective
- katastrophalisierencatastrophizeverb