pattern

C2 Level Wordlist - Disaster and Pollution

Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Disasters and Pollution, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

Review

Flashcards

Forms

Spelling

Quiz

Start learning
CEFR C2 Vocabulary
calamity
calamity
[noun]

an event causing great and often sudden damage, distress, or destruction

Ex: The earthquake was a calamity that devastated the entire city, leaving buildings in ruins. 
Close
Sign in
cataclysm
cataclysm
[noun]

a sudden, violent natural disaster that drastically alters the earth's landscape

Ex: The 2004 Indonesian earthquake and tsunami caused a massive cataclysm that claimed over 200,000 lives. 
Close
Sign in
ravage
ravage
[noun]

action that breeds severe damage or destruction

Ex: The war's ravage left entire cities in ruins, with homes and infrastructure destroyed. 
Close
Sign in
conflagration

an extremely intense and destructive fire

Ex: The forest was reduced to ashes in the massive conflagration, which raged uncontrollably for days. 
Close
Sign in
scourge
scourge
[noun]

a cause of widespread suffering or affliction

Ex: The pandemic emerged as a global scourge, affecting millions of lives and overwhelming healthcare systems. 
Close
Sign in
aftershock

a smaller earthquake or tremor that follows the main shock of a seismic event

Ex: Following the major earthquake, a series of aftershocks rattled the region, causing further concern among residents. 
Close
Sign in
temblor
temblor
[noun]

an earthquake caused by underground movement or volcanic activity

Ex: The region experienced a small temblor, causing brief vibrations but no significant damage. 
Close
Sign in
deluge
deluge
[noun]

a sudden and heavy rainfall

Ex: The deluge caused flash flooding throughout the city, overwhelming the drainage systems and submerging streets. 
Close
Sign in
salvage
salvage
[noun]

the action of rescuing a ship, its crew, or its cargo from a shipwreck, fire, or similar disaster

Ex: The crew performed a daring salvage of the stranded vessel. 
Close
Sign in
epicenter
epicenter
[noun]

the point on the surface of the earth vertically above the focus of an earthquake where its effects are felt most strongly

Ex: The epicenter of the earthquake was located just outside the city, causing widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. 
Close
Sign in
waterspout

a tornado occurring over a body of water, characterized by a funnel-shaped cloud filled with water droplets or spray

Ex: The waterspout formed over the lake, creating a mesmerizing yet potentially dangerous spectacle. 
Close
Sign in
incinerator

a waste treatment process that involves the combustion of substances contained in waste materials

Ex: The city's waste management system includes an incinerator to efficiently dispose of non-recyclable materials. 
Close
Sign in
biohazard
biohazard
[noun]

a risk to human health or to the environment caused by a biological source, especially microorganisms

Ex: The research facility was shut down after an accidental release of a biohazard, posing a serious risk to public health. 
Close
Sign in
sludge
sludge
[noun]

the semi-solid residue produced during sewage or wastewater treatment

Ex: The treatment plant removes sludge from the water before discharge. 
Close
Sign in
soot
soot
[noun]

a black powdery substance produced by burning materials like wood or coal

Ex: The old fireplace emitted a cloud of soot, leaving dark stains on the surrounding walls. 
Close
Sign in
effluent
effluent
[noun]

liquid waste or sewage discharged into rivers, lakes, or the sea

Ex: The factory was fined for discharging untreated effluent directly into the river, harming aquatic life and polluting the water. 
Close
Sign in
detritus
detritus
[noun]

waste or debris produced by the disintegration or decomposition of organic or inorganic matter

Ex: The forest floor was covered in detritus, including fallen leaves, twigs, and decaying plant matter. 
Close
Sign in
hazmat suit

a protective garment worn by workers to safeguard against exposure to hazardous substances or environments

Ex: The emergency responders donned hazmat suits before entering the contaminated area to protect themselves from hazardous materials. 
Close
Sign in
fallout
fallout
[noun]

airborne particles, such as dust or debris, that settle after a nuclear explosion or similar event

Ex: After the nuclear test, the fallout spread over a wide area, causing environmental contamination. 
Close
Sign in
aerosol
aerosol
[noun]

a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles dispersed in a gas

Ex: Volcanic eruptions can release aerosols into the atmosphere. 
Close
Sign in
particulate

a small, discrete particle or substance, especially one suspended in air, such as dust, pollen, or soot

Ex: Air quality monitoring stations measure levels of particulate matter to assess pollution levels in urban areas. 
Close
Sign in
catalytic converter

a device in a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces the emission of harmful pollutants by promoting chemical reactions that convert them into less harmful substances

Ex: The catalytic converter plays a crucial role in reducing harmful emissions from automobiles by converting pollutants into less harmful compounds. 
Close
Sign in
unleaded
unleaded
[Adjective]

not containing lead

Ex: Most cars today run on unleaded gasoline. 
Close
Sign in
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app