catastrophic effect

[kætəˈstrɔːfɪk ɪˈfɛkt]
noun phrasepl: catastrophic effects
efeito catastrófico
1. a severely damaging or devastating consequence or result of an action, event, or condition
The catastrophic effect of the earthquake destroyed the entire infrastructure of the city.
O efeito catastrófico do terremoto destruiu toda a infraestrutura da cidade.
2. in technical or scientific contexts, a sudden and complete failure or collapse with severe negative outcomes
The software bug had catastrophic effects on the system's performance.
O bug do software teve efeitos catastróficos no desempenho do sistema.
3. any result or consequence that leads to widespread damage, loss, or disaster
Climate change could have catastrophic effects on global food production.
As mudanças climáticas poderiam ter efeitos catastróficos na produção de alimentos global.
The term 'catastrophic effect' is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese in scientific, environmental, and disaster-related discussions. In Brazil, it's frequently employed in news media when discussing natural disasters, economic crises, and climate-related issues. The phrase carries significant weight and is used to emphasize the severity and scale of negative consequences, reflecting modern concerns about environmental and societal risks.
NYC Slang
a total disaster / a complete meltdown
Synonyms / Sinônimos
disastrous consequencedevastating impactsevere damageruinous outcometragic result
Antonyms / Antônimos
beneficial effectpositive outcomeminor consequencenegligible impact

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
efeito catastrófico
Standard usage across Brazil
São Paulo
efeito catastrófico / consequência desastrosa
Both terms commonly used in business and technical contexts
Rio de Janeiro
efeito catastrófico
Standard usage, occasionally used in news media
Portugal
efeito catastrófico
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; used formally in scientific and media contexts

Related Words

catastrophedisastercalamitydevastationcollapseruinfailure

Related Idioms & Phrases

have a domino effect
spell disaster
reap the whirlwind
write off something
fall to pieces
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