Terribleness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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terribleness

[ˈtɛrəblnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The state or quality of being terrible or extremely unpleasant.

Synonyms

awfulness, dreadfulness, horror.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
terribleness	Similar to the first instance, it implies a profound level of badness or unpleasantness and can be used in a wide variety of contexts. 'The terribleness of his actions can't be overstated ' 'They talked about the terribleness of the weather '
horror	Commonly used for situations that evoke a strong feeling of fear, shock, or disgust, often relating to something terrifying or gruesome. 'The horror of the crime scene was too much to bear ' 'She screamed in horror upon seeing the spider '
awfulness	Applies well to situations where something is extremely poor in quality, unpleasant, or morally bad, often with a subjective or personal perspective. 'The awfulness of the food made everyone sick ' 'She couldn't forget the awfulness of that experience '
dreadfulness	Best used when describing something that's extremely alarming, intense, or causing a strong feeling of fear and unpleasantness. 'The dreadfulness of the storm forced everyone to take shelter ' 'His dreadfulness in social situations is well-known '

Examples of usage

It was impossible to escape the terribleness of the situation.
She couldn't bear the terribleness of the news.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

outcome

The quality of being extremely bad or serious.

Synonyms

atrociousness, dreadfulness, shoddiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
terribleness	General term for something being very bad or unpleasant. Can be used in various situations. The terribleness of the weather ruined our picnic The terribleness of the movie made us leave the theater early
atrociousness	Used to describe something extremely bad or horrifying, often with a strong negative connotation. The atrociousness of the crime shocked the entire community The atrociousness of his behavior was unacceptable
shoddiness	Refers to something poorly made or done, indicating low quality or workmanship. Often used in the context of products or services. The shoddiness of the construction work was evident in the cracks that appeared Customers complained about the shoddiness of the merchandise
dreadfulness	Typically used to describe something frightening, alarming, or very bad. Also contains a strong negative tone. The dreadfulness of the storm kept everyone indoors Her dreadfulness performance at the recital was surprising

Examples of usage

The terribleness of the performance was evident to everyone.
They had to deal with the terribleness of the consequences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In literature, authors often use the concept of terribleness to evoke strong emotions in readers, illustrating the gravity of a situation.
Classic works often emphasize terribleness as a theme, exploring human suffering and moral dilemmas.
Poets, such as Shakespeare, vividly portray the terribleness of tragic events, influencing readers' perceptions of fate and existence.

Psychology

Experiencing or witnessing terribleness can lead to feelings of anxiety, distress, or helplessness.
The perception of terribleness often triggers a fight-or-flight response, affecting decision-making and coping strategies.
Psychologists study the impact of terribleness on mental health, highlighting how prolonged exposure can contribute to disorders like PTSD.

Pop Culture

The term has been featured in movies and TV shows that focus on horror or disaster themes, amplifying the tension and fear associated with characters' experiences.
'Terribleness' is often used in comedic contexts, where the exaggerated portrayal of characters' failures leads to a humorous twist.
Internet memes frequently use the concept of terribleness to highlight everyday frustrations, making it relatable and entertaining.

Philosophy

Philosophers have debated the nature of terribleness, examining its role in defining human experiences and ethical boundaries.
In existential thought, the acknowledgment of terribleness can lead to deeper introspection about the human condition.
The juxtaposition of beauty and terribleness can provoke discussions on moral choices and the complexities of life.

Origin of 'terribleness'

Main points about word origin

The word derives from the root 'terrible', which comes from the Latin 'terribilis', meaning 'frightening' or 'causing fear'.
The suffix '-ness' is used in English to turn adjectives into nouns, indicating a state or condition.
Using 'terribleness', English speakers express a heightened sense of negativity or severity.

The word 'terribleness' originates from the Middle English word 'terribilnesse', which was derived from the Old French 'terrible'. The suffix '-ness' was added to form the noun. The concept of terribleness has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with fear, dread, and extreme unpleasantness.