Synonyms of the word

catastrophe

• n. Any large and disastrous event of great significance.
• n. (insurance) A disaster beyond expectations.
• n. (narratology) The dramatic event that initiates the resolution of the plot in a tragedy.
• n. (mathematics) A type of bifurcation, where a system shifts between two stable states.

adversity

• n. (uncountable) The state of adverse conditions; state of misfortune or calamity.
• n. (countable) An event that is adverse; calamity.

calamity

• n. An event resulting in great loss.
• n. The distress that results from some disaster.

cataclysm

• n. A sudden, violent event.
• n. (geology) A sudden and violent change in the earth's crust.
• n. A great flood.

disaster

• n. An unexpected natural or man-made catastrophe of substantial extent causing significant physical damage…
• n. An unforeseen event causing great loss, upset or unpleasantness of whatever kind.

hardship

• n. Difficulty or trouble; hard times.
• v. (transitive) To treat (a person) badly; to subject to hardships.

misfortune

• n. (uncountable) bad luck.
• n. (countable) an undesirable event such as an accident.

tragedy

• n. A drama or similar work, in which the main character is brought to ruin or otherwise suffers the extreme…
• n. The genre of such works, and the art of producing them.
• n. A disastrous event, especially one involving great loss of life or injury.