Something that is catastrophic involves or causes a sudden terrible disaster.
disastrous
A tidal wave caused by the earthquake hit the coast causing catastrophic damage.
地震引发的海啸袭击了海岸,造成了灾难性的损失。
The water shortage in this country is potentially catastrophic.
该国水资源的匮乏可能会带来灾难性的后果。
The minister warned that if war broke out, it would be catastrophic for the whole world.
该部长警告说,如果战争爆发,那对全世界都将是场灾难。
If you describe something as catastrophic, you mean that it is very bad or unsuccessful.
another catastrophic attempt to arrest control from a rival Christian militia.
和敌对基督徒民兵组织争夺控制权的再次惨败。