As a Noun: 1. An event which is very unsuccessful or unpleasant, especially one that is unexpected and which causes a lot of damage or suffering. English = disaster. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. A situation or experience which is very serious and unpleasant. English = (be) terrible, (be) dreadful. 2. Of an event, to be very unsuccessful or unpleasant, especially when it is unexpected and causes a lot of damage or suffering. English = (be) disastrous.