Spanish Conversation · Level 66
60 words
Spanish word
calamidad
Pronunciation
IPA/kalamiˈðað/
Meaning
- feminine noundisaster
Example
Fue una calamidad perder el tren.
It was a disaster to miss the train.
More examples
La inundación fue una calamidad natural para la región.
The flood was a natural disaster for the region.
Core concept
Widespread destruction causing long-term suffering.
Common phrases
calamidad natural
natural disaster
una calamidad
a disaster
calamidad pública
public disaster
Similar words
desastre: Severe event that causes major physical or material damage to people, places, or systems.
catástrofe: Very large-scale, often natural event that brings catastrophic destruction and collapse.
desgracia: Sudden misfortune that brings personal sorrow or prolonged bad fortune to someone.
infortunio: Unlucky incident caused by chance or bad luck, producing minor to moderate harm.
Definition in Spanish
Hecho desgraciado o desastre que provoca pérdidas importantes o sufrimiento prolongado.
Word origin
From Latin calamitas 'damage, misfortune', with Spanish -idad corresponding to Latin -itas, the word denotes a severe disaster.
Usage tips
- In colloquial speech the exclamation '¡Qué calamidad!' can be used ironically for minor mishaps, while formal or journalistic uses refer to genuinely serious events.