casualty

word

/ˈkæʒəɫti/
KA-zhuhl-tee
/kˈæʒuːəlti/
KA-zhoo-uhl-tee

Definition

A casualty is a person who is injured or killed in an accident, war, or disaster. It is often used for people hurt or killed in violent or dangerous situations.

Usage & Nuances

More formal and often used in news, military, and health contexts. 'Casualty' refers to both injuries and deaths, but not to property damage. In military English, 'casualty' includes both wounded and killed. Not interchangeable with 'victim' (which focuses on suffering, not necessarily injury/death). Also used for 'casualty department' (emergency room in UK English).

Example Sentences

The military reported three casualties after the battle.

basic

Floods caused many casualties in the region.

basic

Medics rushed to help the casualties at the scene.

natural

Unfortunately, the storm made the small fishing village its latest casualty.

natural

The company’s poor management was a major casualty of the economic crisis.

natural

There was only one casualty in the car accident.

basic