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Atrocious: meaning, definitions and examples

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atrocious

 

[əˈtroʊ.ʃəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel. Shockingly bad or unpleasant.

Synonyms

abominable, appalling, dreadful, heinous, horrific.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atrocious

Use this word to describe something extremely bad or unpleasant, often used for actions or conditions that are shocking in their severity. This word carries a negative connotation.

  • The living conditions in the refugee camps were atrocious
  • Her behavior at the party was simply atrocious
horrific

Describes something intensely disturbing or frightening, frequently used for events or actions that are terrifying. It has a strong negative tone.

  • The victims shared the horrific details of the accident
  • The movie was based on a horrific true story
dreadful

Ideal for describing something that causes fear, alarm, or concern, often used in everyday contexts for both serious and less serious matters. Negative connotation.

  • The weather this week has been dreadful
  • He felt a dreadful sense of panic when he realized he was lost
appalling

Used to highlight something that shocks or horrifies due to its severity or the extent of its negative impact. Commonly applied to situations or behavior. This word also carries a negative connotation.

  • The appalling working conditions at the factory were exposed by the media
  • She made an appalling mistake during the job interview
abominable

Best suited for describing something that is morally repugnant or causes intense disgust. Often used for evil deeds or actions. This word has a strong negative connotation.

  • The abominable acts of the dictator were condemned worldwide
  • The food served at the restaurant was abominable
heinous

Typically used to describe particularly evil crimes or actions that are shockingly wicked. It has a very strong negative connotation.

  • The murderer was sentenced to life in prison for his heinous crimes
  • Her heinous betrayal of her friends left everyone in shock

Examples of usage

  • The dictator's atrocious reign of terror resulted in countless innocent lives lost.
  • The food at that restaurant was atrocious; I couldn't even finish my meal.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Of a very poor quality; extremely bad or unpleasant.

Synonyms

abysmal, awful, dreadful, horrible, terrible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
atrocious

Use for something extremely bad and shocking, typically in a way that creates strong disapproval or horror.

  • The living conditions in the camp were atrocious
  • Her treatment of the animal was simply atrocious
terrible

A broad term used to describe something very bad in quality or causing distress.

  • The movie was terrible and boring
  • She made a terrible mistake that cost the company a lot of money
awful

General term for something very bad or unpleasant, can describe situations, feelings, or quality.

  • I felt awful after eating that food
  • The weather today is just awful
horrible

Used to express strong dislike or disgust, often for behaviors or situations.

  • The taste of that medicine was horrible
  • His behavior at the party was horrible
dreadful

Conveys a sense of great fear, suffering, or unhappiness, often in describing news or situations.

  • The news of the accident was dreadful
  • She had a dreadful headache all day
abysmal

Describes something that is extremely poor or bad, often in the context of performance, quality, or situation.

  • His performance on the test was abysmal
  • The quality of service at the restaurant was abysmal

Examples of usage

  • The movie received atrocious reviews from critics and audiences alike.
  • The students' behavior during the field trip was atrocious; they were rude and disrespectful.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'atrox', meaning 'fierce' or 'cruel', related to extreme behavior.
  • Over time, it evolved into 'atrocious' in the English language, used primarily to describe unpleasant events or actions.
  • The earliest recorded use in English dates back to the late 15th century, reflecting severe distress or horror.

Pop Culture

  • Films often use the term to describe unacceptable behavior or violence, underscoring the impact on society.
  • In the music world, 'atrocious' has been used in lyrics to emphasize heartbreak or moral failures.
  • Popular TV shows often depict characters committing 'atrocious' acts to highlight their villainy.

Social Commentary

  • The term is frequently used in discussions about human rights, particularly to label violations as absolutely unacceptable.
  • In debates about climate change, actions seen as ignoring scientific warnings may be labeled as 'atrocious' failures of responsibility.
  • Public outrage over corruption in politics often arises when 'atrocious' actions are revealed, leading to demands for accountability.

Literature

  • Classic literature frequently portrays characters' 'atrocious' actions, illustrating moral dilemmas and the darker sides of humanity.
  • In poetry, references to 'atrocious' conditions often evoke strong emotional responses, particularly in the context of war or poverty.
  • Authors like Charles Dickens used the term to draw attention to societal injustices and advocate for reform.

Psychology

  • People may perceive actions as 'atrocious' based on cultural norms, illustrating the subjectivity of morality.
  • Psychological studies indicate that witnessing 'atrocious' behavior can lead to feelings of helplessness and societal desensitization.
  • Understanding why humans commit 'atrocious' acts can be a significant focus in fields like criminology and ethics.

Translations

Translations of the word "atrocious" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atroz

🇮🇳 भयानक

🇩🇪 grauenhaft

🇮🇩 mengerikan

🇺🇦 жахливий

🇵🇱 okropny

🇯🇵 ひどい

🇫🇷 atroce

🇪🇸 atroz

🇹🇷 dehşet verici

🇰🇷 끔찍한

🇸🇦 فظيع

🇨🇿 hrozný

🇸🇰 hrozný

🇨🇳 可怕的

🇸🇮 grozen

🇮🇸 hræðilegt

🇰🇿 қорқынышты

🇬🇪 საშინელი

🇦🇿 dəhşətli

🇲🇽 atroz

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,257, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.