Frightful: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in situations that are disturbing but not necessarily life-threatening. It can describe something unpleasant or shocking.

• The weather outside is frightful, with heavy rain and thunder.
• She had a frightful experience at the haunted house.

Used to describe something that induces strong fear or terror, often related to life-threatening situations.

• The movie was so realistic that it was absolutely terrifying.
• He had a terrifying encounter with a bear in the forest.

Ideal for describing something that is extremely shocking and causes a strong feeling of horror or disgust.

• The details of the crime scene were horrifying.
• It was a horrifying accident involving multiple cars.

Best used when describing something that causes worry or concern because it suggests danger or a problem.

• The news about the rising infection rates is quite alarming.
• The sudden drop in temperature was alarming to the farmers.

Used to describe something very bad or unpleasant, often causing fear or shock. More common in British English and often has a slightly old-fashioned tone.

• He had a frightful accident
• The room was in a frightful mess

Specifically used to describe something that causes a strong feeling of surprise, disapproval, or emotional upset. The emphasis is often on the suddenness or intensity of the surprise.

• The news of the accident was shocking
• His rude behavior was shocking to everyone at the meeting

Used to describe something that is very bad, shocking, or disgusting, often implying a sense of horror or outrage.

• The living conditions in the prison were appalling
• Her behavior at the party was appalling

Usually used to describe something extremely bad or unpleasant, often in a way that causes fear, shock, or discomfort. Again, more common in British English.

• She made a dreadful mistake
• The weather has been absolutely dreadful