What is a calamity?

Answer 1

"Calamity" has two definitions. The first, and most often used, is a catastrophic event that results in deep pain and suffering. Under this meaning, the destruction caused by any natural disasters--i.e. a hurricane, tornado, blizzard, or flood--is considered a calamity. However, a calamity can also be something like a Stock Market crash that devastates the economy, or a mass shooting that leaves tragedy in its wake. The second definition is a feeling of grief or depression caused by a loss or trauma. "The calamity of war" refers to the profound personal impact war has on any person involved, both physically and mentally, and "the calamity of illness" describes the effects that any disease or sickness (cancer, an incurable virus) has on the human body and spirit.

Answer 2

A calamity is an event which results in a large amount of loss, or the distress which results from a disaster. From: Matthew Burgess

Answer 3

A calamity, is an event that causes much suffering.

Answer 4

A calamity is an event which results in a large amount of loss, or the distress which results from a disaster.