No. 4,021 in French
catastrophe
A disaster or a terrible event causing great damage or suffering.
In a sentence
Cette tempête a été une véritable catastrophe pour les habitants.
This storm was a true catastrophe for the residents.
It is used to describe a disastrous event causing significant harm.
Il est toujours en retard—c'est une catastrophe quand il faut être ponctuel.
He is always late—it's a catastrophe when punctuality is required.
It conveys exaggeration to describe an undesirable or problematic situation.
La faillite de cette entreprise serait une catastrophe pour l'économie locale.
The bankruptcy of this company would be a catastrophe for the local economy.
It signifies a hypothetical situation that would have widespread negative effects.
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