Horrendous: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something extremely unpleasant or shocking. Often emphasizes the severity of a negative situation or experience.

• The traffic was horrendous this morning
• The financial losses suffered by the company were horrendous

Typically describes something that causes fear or dread, but can also be used more broadly to describe very bad situations.

• The weather has been dreadful all week
• There was a dreadful accident on the highway

A general term for something very bad or unpleasant. It can describe anything from minor inconveniences to more serious issues.

• The food at the party was awful
• She had an awful headache all day

Used when something is so bad that it causes shock or dismay, emphasizing a strong negative reaction.

• The living conditions in the refugee camp are appalling
• I was appalled by the appalling state of cleanliness in the restaurant

Describes something extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel; also used to describe something very bad or of poor quality.

• The acts of violence committed during the war were atrocious
• His spelling is atrocious

Often used to describe something causing horror or fear, or something shockingly unpleasant to look at or experience.

• She turned ghastly pale after hearing the news
• The room was in a ghastly state when we arrived