catastrophe catastrophe /kəˈtæstrəfi/

noun

1. () An event resulting in great loss and misfortune  ( cataclysm , calamity , catastrophe , disaster , tragedy )
   an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
    The whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity
   the whole city was affected by the irremediable calamity
    The earthquake was a disaster
   the earthquake was a disaster
   
   
2. () A state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune  ( catastrophe , disaster )
   a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
    Lack of funds has resulted in a catastrophe for our school system
   lack of funds has resulted in a catastrophe for our school system
    His policies were a disaster
   his policies were a disaster
   
3. A sudden violent change in the earth's surface  ( cataclysm , catastrophe )
   a sudden violent change in the earth's surface