descalabro (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "descalabro" is a noun in Spanish.

Phonetic Transcription

/deskalaˈβɾo/

Translation Options into English

• Setback
• Disaster
• Debacle

Meaning and Usage

"Descalabro" refers to a significant setback or failure that often has substantial negative consequences. It can be used in various contexts, from business failures to personal misfortunes. The term is used frequently in both oral and written contexts, though it may appear more in written reports, news articles, or discussions surrounding failures in projects, businesses, or politics.

Example Sentences

1. El descalabro financiero de la empresa sorprendió a todos.

2. The financial setback of the company surprised everyone.

3. Tras el descalabro en las elecciones, el partido necesita reestructurarse.

4. After the debacle in the elections, the party needs to restructure itself.

5. El descalabro de su carrera fue inesperado, ya que había tenido tanto éxito antes.

6. The disaster of his career was unexpected, as he had been so successful before.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Descalabro" is often used in various idiomatic expressions to convey a sense of failure or disaster, particularly in contexts where expectations were high. Some notable idiomatic uses include:

1. Sufrir un descalabro
2. Definition: To undergo a failure or setback.

3. Example: El equipo sufrió un descalabro en el último partido que nadie esperaba.

   • The team suffered a setback in the last match that nobody expected.

4. Descalabro total

5. Definition: Complete failure or a total disaster.

6. Example: La campaña publicitaria terminó en un descalabro total.

   • The advertising campaign ended in a total disaster.

7. Evitar un descalabro

8. Definition: To prevent a setback or disaster.

9. Example: Tomaron medidas para evitar un descalabro financiero.

   • They took measures to prevent a financial setback.

10. Actuar ante un descalabro

11. Definition: To act in response to a failure or setback.
12. Example: Es importante actuar rápidamente ante un descalabro en la producción.
    • It’s important to act quickly in response to a setback in production.

Etymology

The word "descalabro" is derived from the Spanish prefix "des-" indicating reversal or negation, and "calabro," which comes from the Vulgar Latin *calabra, relating to a wound or injury. The original meaning denotes a physical injury that has evolved into the figurative sense of a setback or disaster.

Synonyms

• Fracaso (failure)
• Ruina (ruin)
• Tropiezo (stumble)

Antonyms

• Éxito (success)
• Logro (achievement)
• Triunfo (triumph)

This comprehensive exploration of "descalabro" highlights its meaning, usage, and nuances within the Spanish language.