calamity /kəˈlæməti/ noun
- A calamity is an event that causes a great deal of damage, destruction, or personal loss.
- If you refer to something as a calamity, you mean that it is very unfortunate or serious.
catastrophic /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ adjective
A catastrophic event is one that causes a lot of damage or harm.
destructive /dɪˈstrʌktɪv/ adjective
- Something that is destructive causes or is capable of causing great damage, harm, or injury.
- If you describe someone’s behaviour or attitude as destructive, you mean that it is likely to lead to harm, damage, or failure.
El Niño /el ˈniːnjəʊ/ noun
El Niño is a climatic phenomenon that is caused by the warming of the Pacific Ocean and that can cause changes in weather patterns around the world, especially in the Pacific region.
endanger /ɪnˈdeɪndʒə/ verb
If something endangers someone or something, it puts them in a situation where they might be harmed or damaged.
greenhouse /ˈɡriːnhaʊs/ noun
A greenhouse is a building made of glass or plastic that is used for growing plants that need warmth and protection.
jeopardise /ˈdʒepədaɪz/ verb
If something jeopardises a situation or activity, it puts it in danger of failing or being harmed.
magnet /ˈmæɡnɪt/ noun
- A magnet is a piece of iron or other material which has a magnetic field around it. Magnets attract iron and other magnetic materials.
- If you say that someone or something has a magnetic personality or quality, you mean that people are attracted to them very strongly and cannot resist them.
mishap /ˈmɪshæp/ noun
A mishap is a small unfortunate accident or incident.
pebble /ˈpebl/ noun
A pebble is a small roundish stone, especially one that has been worn smooth by the action of water or sand.
phenomenon /fəˈnɒmɪnən/ noun
- A phenomenon is something that is observed to happen or exist, especially something that is surprising, unusual, or difficult to understand or explain.
- A phenomenon is a fact, occurrence, or circumstance that can be studied or observed.
- A phenomenon is a remarkable person, thing, or event.