# disaster

/dɪˈzæstɝ/ (US) · /dˌɪsˈɑːstɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disaster
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a catastrophe

noun · CEFR A2

a sudden event that causes great damage, such as a flood, fire, or earthquake.

For teachers: a sudden accident or a natural catastrophe that causes great damage or loss of life.

- The earthquake was a terrible disaster that destroyed many homes in the city.
- The humanitarian agency provided immediate relief to the victims of the natural disaster, focusing on clean water and temporary shelter.

### 2. a total failure

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

something that goes very wrong or is a complete failure.

For teachers: an event or situation that is a complete failure or causes great disappointment.

- The party was a disaster because nobody showed up and the food was cold.
- The product launch was a total disaster, as the software crashed repeatedly during the live demonstration in front of the press.

### 3. skateboarding trick

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a specific trick where a skater turns 180 degrees and lands the middle of the board on an edge.

For teachers: a maneuver involving a 180-degree ollie, landing with the center of the deck on the coping of a ramp.

- He practiced the disaster on the half-pipe until he could land it perfectly.
- The skater executed a flawless frontside disaster, balancing precariously on the lip before dropping back into the transition.

## Examples

- The heavy rain caused a natural disaster in the valley.
- The wedding was a total disaster because the cake fell over and the band never arrived.
- Emergency services conducted a full-scale drill to ensure the city was prepared for a major natural disaster like an earthquake or flood.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.