katastrophal
catastrophic
Extremely bad, devastating, or having very negative consequences; like a catastrophe.
EXAMPLE
Die finanzielle Lage des Unternehmens ist katastrophal.
The company's financial situation is catastrophic.
katastrophal
catastrophic
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'katastrophal' (catastrophic) is derived directly from the noun 'die Katastrophe' (catastrophe). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the adjective: something is as bad as a catastrophe.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm hatte katastrophale Folgen für die Landwirtschaft.
The storm had catastrophic consequences for agriculture.
Strong word
'Katastrophal' (catastrophic) is a very strong word. It is used for extremely negative situations, results, or conditions, not for small everyday problems.
EXAMPLE
Die Arbeitsbedingungen in der Fabrik wurden als katastrophal beschrieben.
The working conditions in the factory were described as catastrophic.
Typical collocations
'Katastrophal' (catastrophic) often describes abstract nouns such as 'die Lage' (the situation), 'die Situation' (the situation), 'die Folgen' (the consequences), 'ein Fehler' (a mistake), or 'ein Ergebnis' (a result).
EXAMPLE
Ein kleiner Fehler am Anfang führte zu einem katastrophalen Ergebnis.
A small mistake at the beginning led to a catastrophic result.
Compare with
katastrophal vs verheerend
devastating
Katastrophal and verheerend both describe something very bad. Katastrophal generally assesses a situation or development as extremely bad; verheerend places greater emphasis on its destructive effect and its very serious consequences.
katastrophal
Die wirtschaftliche Lage der Region ist nach mehreren schlechten Jahren katastrophal.
After several bad years, the region’s economic situation is catastrophic.
verheerend
Die Folgen des Hochwassers für die Häuser der Region sind verheerend.
The consequences of the flooding for the region’s houses are devastating.
In real life
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