What does calamity mean?
Calamity is a noun denoting a grave event that brings extensive damage, suffering, or misfortune — whether a natural disaster like an earthquake or flood, a large-scale human catastrophe such as war or famine, or a severe personal setback. It sits alongside words like disaster and catastrophe but tends to carry a slightly more formal tone, appearing frequently in news reporting, historical accounts, and official statements. The word derives from Latin 'calamitas', whose original sense may have related to crop damage or loss, giving it deep roots in humanity's long experience of misfortune. Its adjective form, 'calamitous', describes anything marked by such severe harm. Because it conveys both scale and seriousness, calamity is useful when writers want to emphasise not just that something bad happened, but that its consequences were far-reaching and profound. It should not be confused with the unrelated word 'calumny', which refers to slander.
nounA serious event causing great damage, distress, or misfortune; a disaster.
- An event causing widespread damage or suffering, such as an earthquake, war, or famine.
- A personal misfortune or grievous distress affecting an individual.
"The earthquake was the worst calamity the region had faced in decades."
"The flood was a calamity that displaced thousands of families."
"Losing his life savings in the crash was a personal calamity he never fully recovered from."
Standard plural form, following the regular -y → -ies pattern.
"The chronicle recorded the many calamities that befell the kingdom."
It comes from Latin 'calamitas' — possibly linked to damage to crops — so for ancient Romans a 'calamity' may literally have been a failed harvest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of calamity
Calamity comes from Latin 'calamitas', meaning damage or misfortune, which some scholars connect to 'calamus' (stalk of grain), suggesting an early association with destroyed crops. The word entered English in the late Middle English period via Old French, and has been used since at least the 15th century to denote serious misfortune. Related English forms include 'calamitous' and 'calamitously'.
Related word forms
How calamity is actually used
Formal to neutral register; often used in journalism and official contexts. Slightly more formal than 'disaster'.
Easily confused with calamity
Calamity is a disaster or misfortune; calumny is a false and slanderous statement about someone.