'calamity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'calamitas', where the root meant 'damage' or 'loss'.

'calamity' changed from Old French 'calamite' (and Middle English forms such as 'calamite'/'calamyte') and eventually became the modern English word 'calamity'.

Initially, it meant 'damage or loss', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a disastrous event or great misfortune'.