Calamity /(?)/

pl. Calamities

1. Any great misfortune or cause of misery; -- generally applied to events or disasters which produce extensive evil, either to communities or individuals.

   Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul.

2. A state or time of distress or misfortune; misery.

   The deliberations of calamity are rarely wise.

   Where'er I came I brought calamity.