This is the 9912th most frequent French word.
fléau
Scourge; a disaster or great misfortune.
Usage as a metaphorical term to indicate a widespread and harmful problem.
Le fléau de la pauvreté affecte de nombreux pays.
The scourge of poverty affects many countries.
Usage to describe a tangible issue causing significant harm.
Les insectes nuisibles sont un fléau pour les cultures.
Harmful insects are a scourge for crops.
Usage in a call for collective action against a worldwide problem.