这些名词均表示“灾难”或“不幸”之意。
*disaster : 普通用词，指大破坏、痛苦或伤亡。
It was the second air disaster in the region in less than two months.
这已经是该地区不到两个月内的第二次空难了。
*calamity : 多指个人的不幸，比disaster严重，强调灾难引起的悲痛以及对于损失的感觉。
He described drugs as the greatest calamity of the age.
他称毒品是这个时代最大的祸害。
The recent flooding in the south was a calamity.
最近南方的洪水是一场灾难。
*catastrophe : 语气最强，指可怕的灾难，强调最终的结局。
They suffered an electoral catastrophe, winning a paltry 3 seats.
他们在选举中惨败，仅获得微不足道的3个席位。
*misfortune : 普通用词，多批较为严重的不幸，强调不幸多由外界因素所致。
She seemed to enjoy the misfortunes of others.
她似乎喜欢幸灾乐祸。
He had his full share of misfortune.
他吃尽了苦头。
