disaster; calamity; misfortune
Refers to a serious unfortunate event or state of suffering, often with a sense of something beyond one's control. Can be used in both concrete and abstract contexts.
The earthquake brought great disaster.
His carelessness caused the accident (literally: his carelessness turned into a misfortune).
Misfortune has befallen that family for many years.
We met with an unexpected disaster during the trip.
He carried a charm to try to avoid misfortune.