Answer:
(an event that results in) great harm, damage, or death, or serious difficulty:
+An inquiry was ordered into the recent rail disaster (= a serious train accident).
+It would be a disaster for me if I lost my job.
+This is one of the worst natural disasters ever to befall the area.
+Heavy and prolonged rain can spell disaster for many plants.
+Everything was going smoothly until suddenly disaster struck.
+Inviting James and Ivan to dinner on the same evening was a recipe for disaster (= caused a very difficult situation) - they always argue with each other.