Awful: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word to describe something very bad, unpleasant, or disagreeable. It can be used in both serious and less serious situations.

• The weather was awful yesterday.
• She felt awful after hearing the news.

This word is commonly used to express something extremely bad or serious. It can describe a wide variety of negative situations.

• She made a terrible mistake.
• The terrible weather ruined our plans.

This word is best for describing something very bad or appalling. It focuses more on the emotional response and fear something evokes.

• The news about the accident was dreadful.
• She had a dreadful cold.

Use this word when describing something that causes horror or is extremely unpleasant. It's often used in casual conversations.

• The movie was horrible, I couldn't watch it.
• The smell from the garbage was horrible.

Use this word to refer to something extremely bad, brutal, or cruel. It can describe both actions and conditions that are outrageously bad.

• The food at the restaurant was atrocious.
• The atrocities committed during the war were inhumane.

This word is suitable for situations involving something morally wrong, offensive, or extremely unpleasant. It often carries a stronger negative connotation.

• The conditions in the prison were abominable.
• His behavior was abominable.

Can also be used informally to emphasize a large degree of something, but this is less common.

• He is an awful good player.

The most general term used to emphasize a high degree of something. Versatile for almost any context, both formal and informal.

• She is very happy today.
• The book is very interesting.

Used to describe something that is extremely great in degree. Often found in more formal writing or speech.

• The test was exceedingly difficult.
• She was exceedingly pleased with the results.

Used to emphasize something that is hard to believe or very surprising. Suitable for both casual and formal contexts.

• The movie was incredibly exciting.
• He is incredibly talented.

Typically used to describe something unpleasant or bad. Can also be used informally to emphasize a strong degree of emotion or action.

• She was terribly upset about the news.
• The conditions are terribly harsh here.