calamity
ca-lam-i-ty · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A serious event causing great distress, destruction, or suffering; a disaster.
- 2.
A state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune.
Forms
plural: calamities
Phrases & expressions
- •Calamity Jane — a nickname for someone who is accident-prone or brings bad luck
Related words
Etymology
From Latin calamitas ("damage, disaster, misfortune"), possibly originally referring to damage to crops (related to calamus, "stalk, reed"). Entered English in the 15th century through Old French calamite.