Definition

In a way that causes great damage or harm; extremely unfortunate or catastrophic.

Example

The project ended disastrously, leading to significant financial losses.

Conversation

How did the presentation go yesterday?

It went disastrously, honestly.

Oh no, what happened?

I forgot half my points and the tech failed!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Disastrously → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "astron" (from Latin *astrum*, meaning star). The word originally referred to events that were unfavorable or ill-fated, as if the stars were aligned against someone, leading to disastrous outcomes.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'away from' good fortune ('dis-') and related to 'stars' ('astron') — this helps you remember that 'disastrously' means something that turns out very badly.

Visually Confused Words