1. disastrous: causing or liable to cause widespread damage or death The rapid spread of the infection had a catastrophic effect on livestock.
2. awful: completely unsuccessful or very bad The party was a catastrophic affair.
3. health services life-threatening and requiring expensive treatment: so serious in nature as to require extensive, long-term, and expensive medical treatment catastrophic illnesses
4. insurance providing extensive coverage for high expenses: describes insurance plans, policies, or coverage appropriate to protect the insured party against expenses incurred in the event of a life-threatening condition requiring extensive medical intervention
