Commentary: DISASTER[+event][+catastrophe][+sudden][+widespread]
NOTE: implies physical destruction, affects more than a few individuals
Examples:
The disaster from the 8.5 earthquake stretched on for miles.
They were slow to get disaster relief to the hurricane victims in Florida.
John said it was just another stupid disaster movie with pretty good special effects.
Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3
Commentary: DISASTER[+state][+adversity][+ongoing]
NOTE: implies an abstract calamity, rather than a physical one, e.g., involving money, work
Examples:
Critics warned that these energy policies could spell disaster for the state.
Devaluing their currency by thirty percent caused an economic disaster in that country.
We had a disaster at work when someone accidentally erased the backup tapes.
Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1
Commentary: DISASTER[+quality][+failure][+personal]
NOTE: is a colloquial usage, implies minor calamity in contrast to senses 1 and 2
Examples:
Betty thinks her haircut is a total disaster.
The dinner party was a disaster; the food was overcooked and the guests quarreled.
She needs to learn that having people see her house untidy is not such a disaster.
Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 1c