Cool MateCalamity vs Misfortune
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Calamity | Misfortune | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A serious event that causes damage or suffering. | Bad luck or an unfortunate event. |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Used in neutral contexts. Common in news articles and discussions about disasters. Not used in casual conversations. | Use 'misfortune' to refer to bad situations, often with a sense of sympathy. It's more formal than 'bad luck'. |
Frequently asked questions: Calamity vs Misfortune
What's the difference between "Calamity" and "Misfortune"?
"Calamity" means: A serious event that causes damage or suffering. "Misfortune" means: Bad luck or an unfortunate event.
When should I use "Calamity" and "Misfortune"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Calamity" and "Misfortune" the same CEFR level?
"Calamity" is at B1, "Misfortune" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.