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Awfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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awfulness

[ˈɔːflnɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

The state or quality of being extremely bad or unpleasant; full of dread or horror.

Synonyms

dreadfulness, horror, terribleness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awfulness

Used to describe something that is extremely bad or unpleasant in a general sense, not necessarily related to fear.

  • The awfulness of the movie made it difficult to sit through.
  • The awareness of her misjudgment added to the awfulness of the situation.
dreadfulness

Applies to situations or things that are extremely bad and often elicit a sense of fear or apprehension.

  • The dreadfulness of the storm kept everyone in their homes.
  • She recalled the dreadfulness of the accident with a shiver.
horror

Commonly used to describe something that causes intense fear, shock, or disgust. Often used in the context of scary stories or real-life shocking events.

  • The horror of the haunted house scared everyone.
  • She could not believe the horror of the crime scene.
terribleness

Used less frequently, this word also signifies something very bad, but it can sometimes imply a slightly less intense experience compared to 'horror' or 'dreadfulness.'

  • The terribleness of the food ruined our dinner.
  • He apologized for the terribleness of his behavior.

Examples of usage

  • It was the sheer awfulness of the situation that made her want to escape.
  • I couldn't bear the awfulness of the pain any longer.
Context #2 | Noun

quality

The quality of being extremely unpleasant or offensive.

Synonyms

disgust, offensiveness, unpleasantness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awfulness

Use this to describe something that is extremely bad or dreadful.

  • The awfulness of the situation was hard to comprehend
  • The awfulness of the food left a lasting impression
unpleasantness

Work with this term to indicate something that is disagreeable or not enjoyable. It is milder than the other terms.

  • There was an unpleasantness in the air at the meeting
  • The unpleasantness of the task made her procrastinate
offensiveness

Best used to describe something that causes someone to feel upset, insulted, or hurt. It often has a negative connotation.

  • His comments were full of offensiveness
  • The movie contained scenes of offensiveness
disgust

This should be used when something provokes a strong feeling of revulsion or intense disapproval. It often has a physical or emotional reaction.

  • The smell of the trash filled me with disgust
  • She looked at the spoiled food with disgust

Examples of usage

  • She couldn't stand the awfulness of his behavior any longer.
  • The awfulness of the smell was overwhelming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing feelings of awfulness can trigger the body's stress response, leading to anxiety and discomfort.
  • The concept of awfulness can be subjective; what seems dreadful to one person may not affect another in the same way.

Literature

  • In many classic works, the feeling of awfulness serves as a critical plot device, representing character struggles and moral dilemmas.
  • Authors often use vivid descriptions of awfulness to evoke empathy or to heighten the dramatic effect in storytelling.

Pop Culture

  • Shows and films often portray 'awfulness' in a comedic light, exaggerating bad situations to create humor (e.g., sitcoms).
  • Social media often amplifies perceptions of awfulness, with viral posts drawing attention to societal issues and personal grievances.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures interpret awfulness differently; in some places, certain situations deemed awful elsewhere may be treated more lightly.
  • Awfulness in art can be found in expressions of despair and suffering, helping to communicate deep emotions and provoke thought.

Origin of 'awfulness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'awful' comes from the Old English 'awe,' meaning fear, combined with 'full,' leading to a meaning of something that fills one with fear.
  • Originally, 'awful' meant 'full of awe'; over time, its use shifted to describe something very negative or dreadful.

The word 'awfulness' originated in the early 18th century, derived from the word 'awful' which dates back to the late Middle English period. The term has evolved over time to encompass a range of meanings related to extreme unpleasantness or horror. It is often used to describe situations, feelings, or qualities that evoke a sense of dread or disgust.

See also: awful, awfully.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,569 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.