A terrible experience or situation is very serious or very unpleasant.
Tens of thousands more suffered terrible injuries in the world's worst industrialdisaster.
I often have the most terrible nightmares.
Prison life, he told me, was terrible.
Synonyms: bad, awful, dreadful, beastly [informal] More Synonyms of terrible
terriblyadverb [ADVERB after verb]
My son has suffered terribly. He has lost his best friend.
Synonyms: badly, poorly, dreadfully, incompetently More Synonyms of terrible
Synonyms: very much, greatly, very, much More Synonyms of terrible
2. graded adjective [feel/lookADJ]
If you feel terrible, you feel extremely ill or unhappy. If you tell someone that they look terrible, you mean that they look as if they are extremely ill or unhappy.
He did feel terrible at the time but seems to be fine now.
Are you all right? You look terrible. Are you sick?
Synonyms: ill, sick, unwell, poorly [informal] More Synonyms of terrible
3. adjective
If something is terrible, it is very bad or of very poor quality.
She admits her French is terrible.
Synonyms: very bad, poor, inadequate, awful More Synonyms of terrible
4. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
You use terrible to emphasize the great extent or degree of something.
[emphasis]
I was a terrible fool, you know. I remember that now.
Her death is a terrible waste.
terriblyadverb [usually ADVERB adjective]
I'm terribly sorry to bother you at this hour.
I suffered terribly when she died.
Synonyms: badly, poorly, dreadfully, incompetently More Synonyms of terrible
Synonyms: extremely, very, much, greatly More Synonyms of terrible
More Synonyms of terrible
terrible in British English
(ˈtɛrəbəl)
adjective
1.
very serious or extreme
a terrible cough
2. informal
of poor quality; unpleasant or bad
a terrible meal
a terrible play
3.
causing terror
4.
causing awe
the terrible nature of God
Derived forms
terribleness (ˈterribleness)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin terribilis, from terrēre to terrify
terrible in American English
(ˈtɛrəbəl)
adjective
1.
causing terror; fearful; frightful; dreadful
2.
extreme; intense; severe
3. Informal
very bad, unpleasant; disagreeable, etc.
a general term of disapproval
Derived forms
terribleness (ˈterribleness)
noun
Word origin
OFr < L terribilis < terrere, to frighten: see terror
Examples of 'terrible' in a sentence
terrible
Is her diet terrible in real life?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They look terrible for what they are.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It made me feel terrible about myself.
The Sun (2016)
Something terrible is probably going to happen.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
That would be a terrible waste of time.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Now your feline companion has more than terrible puns to look forward to.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You've left me feeling a terrible mum.
The Sun (2016)
I think you both realise what a terrible situation you got yourselves into.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
If we don't, it would be a terrible waste.
The Sun (2016)
Policy conducted in the emotional heat of a terrible moment is often poorly considered.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It makes me feel terrible to think what happened to her.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Who fights for their life after a terrible road accident?
The Sun (2010)
When is somebody going to do something about this terrible cold weather?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
So what is to blame for this terrible situation?
The Sun (2013)
We are determined to put a stop to that terrible waste of potential.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
But people in showbiz often make terrible partners.
The Sun (2011)
But then she also feels terrible about working.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Was your home life terrible just because of such a character?
The Sun (2014)
One day it could be you or your loved ones in this terrible situation.
The Sun (2008)
It would be a terrible waste to leave it as a ruin.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
What better indicator that he is something different than that he looks so terrible?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
My mum stayed with that man for a long time and life was terrible.
The Sun (2010)
They are warned that if they go to the police something terrible will happen to them.
The Sun (2014)
It is a terrible situation for you.
Paige, Frances The Glasgow Girls (1994)
The anorexic needs to take control of her body to try to get rid of the terrible flaw she feels exists.
Wilkinson, Helena Beyond Chaotic Eating (1993)
They looked great but sounded terrible.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was terrible bad this afternoon, though.
LM Montgomery Anne of Green Gables (1872)
It's bad socially and terrible economically.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They've seen some great times and terrible times.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I had bad asthma and terrible joint pain in my knees and ankles.
The Sun (2013)
In other languages
terrible
British English: terrible /ˈtɛrəbl/ ADJECTIVE
Terrible means extremely bad.
Her grammar is terrible.
American English: terrible
Arabic: مُرَوِّع
Brazilian Portuguese: terrível
Chinese: 很糟的
Croatian: grozan
Czech: hrozný
Danish: frygtelig
Dutch: vreselijk
European Spanish: atroz terrible
Finnish: kauhea
French: horrible
German: schrecklich
Greek: τρομερός
Italian: terribile
Japanese: ひどい
Korean: 무서운
Norwegian: grusom
Polish: straszny
European Portuguese: terrível
Romanian: groaznic
Russian: ужасный
Latin American Spanish: atroz
Swedish: fruktansvärd
Thai: ซึ่งแย่มาก
Turkish: korkunç
Ukrainian: жахливий
Vietnamese: khủng khiếp
All related terms of 'terrible'
terrible joke
A joke is something that is said or done to make you laugh , for example a funny story.
terrible loss
The loss of a relative or friend is their death.
terrible news
News is information about a recently changed situation or a recent event.
terrible pain
Pain is the feeling of great discomfort you have, for example when you have been hurt or when you are ill .
enfant terrible
If you describe someone as an enfant terrible , you mean that they are clever but unconventional, and often cause problems or embarrassment for their friends or families.
terrible burden
If you describe a problem or a responsibility as a burden , you mean that it causes someone a lot of difficulty , worry , or hard work.
terrible danger
Danger is the possibility that someone may be harmed or killed .
terrible ordeal
If you describe an experience or situation as an ordeal , you think it is difficult and unpleasant .
terrible secret
A secret is a fact that is known by only a small number of people, and is not told to anyone else.
terrible shame
If you say that something is a shame , you are expressing your regret about it and indicating that you wish it had happened differently.
terrible thing
You can use thing to refer to any object, feature , or event when you cannot, need not, or do not want to refer to it more precisely .
terrible accident
An accident happens when a vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle, causing injury or damage.
terrible dilemma
A dilemma is a difficult situation in which you have to choose between two or more alternatives .
terrible headache
If you have a headache , you have a pain in your head.
terrible injustice
Injustice is a lack of fairness in a situation.
terrible tragedy
A tragedy is an extremely sad event or situation.
terrible trouble
You can refer to problems or difficulties as trouble .
Chinese translation of 'terrible'
terrible
(ˈtɛrɪbl)
adj
[accident, winter]可怕的 (kěpà de)
(= very poor) 糟糕的 (zāogāo de)
(inf, = awful) 糟透的 (zāotòu de)
1 (adjective)
Definition
causing fear
Thousands suffered terrible injuries in the disaster.
Synonyms
awful
an awful smell of paint
shocking (informal)
I must have been in a shocking state last night.
appalling
They have been living under the most appalling conditions.
terrifying
one of the most terrifying diseases known to man
horrible
Still the horrible shrieking came out of his mouth.
dreadful
They told us the dreadful news.
horrifying
dread (literary)
It was almost impossible to have a chat without someone using the dread phrase `going forward '.
dreaded
this dreaded disease
fearful (informal)
The earthquake was a fearful disaster.
horrendous
The violence used was horrendous.
monstrous
the film's monstrous fantasy figure
harrowing
gruesome
There has been a series of gruesome murders in the capital.
horrid (informal)
What a horrid smell!
unspeakable
the unspeakable horrors of chemical weapons
frightful
We were trapped overnight in frightful conditions.
hellacious (US, slang)
2 (adjective)
Definition
very bad, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory
(informal)
I have the most terrible nightmares.
Synonyms
bad
awful
Even if the weather's awful there's still lots to do.
dreadful
beastly (informal)
The weather was beastly.
dire
abysmal
abhorrent
Most people find cruelty to animals abhorrent.
poor
offensive
the offensive smell of manure
foul
He is accused of all manner of foul deeds.
unpleasant
They tolerated what they felt was an unpleasant situation.
revolting
The smell in the cell was revolting.
rotten (informal)
obscene
It was obscene to spend millions producing unwanted food.
hideous
His family was subjected to a hideous attack.
vile
the vile smell of mouldy cheese
from hell (informal)
obnoxious
The people at my table were so obnoxious, I had to leave.
repulsive
repulsive, fat, white slugs
frightful
odious
He's the most odious man I have ever met.
hateful
Why must I live in this hateful place?
loathsome
the loathsome spectacle we were obliged to witness
shitty (taboo, slang)
godawful (slang)
Opposites
great
,
wonderful
,
excellent
, fine,
brilliant
,
very good
,
magic
,
remarkable
,
superb
,
pleasant
,
terrific
,
delightful
,
admirable
,
super
,
noteworthy
3 (adjective)
Definition
very bad, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory
I did feel terrible at the time but I'm all right now.
Synonyms
ill
He was seriously ill with pneumonia.
sick
She's very sick.
unwell
He felt unwell as he was being driven back to his office.
poorly (informal)
I've just phoned Julie and she's still poorly.
rough (informal)
The lad is still feeling a bit rough.
faint
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
He admitted to feeling a bit crook.
dizzy
lousy (informal)
I wasn't actually sick but I was feeling lousy.
nauseated
queasy
He was prone to sickness and already felt queasy.
out of sorts
At times, he has seemed lifeless and out of sorts.
nauseous
Sea travel makes me feel nauseous.
off colour (British, informal)
under the weather (informal)
I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
indisposed
The speaker was regrettably indisposed.
peaky
Are you feeling all right? You look a little peaky.
wabbit (Scottish, informal)
4 (adjective)
Definition
very bad, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory
She admits her French is terrible.
Synonyms
very bad
poor
The meal was very poor.
He was a poor actor.
inadequate
awful
appalling (informal)
pants (British, informal)
dreadful
useless (informal)
hopeless
I'd be hopeless at working for somebody else.
pathetic (informal)
That's the most pathetic excuse I've ever heard.
dire (informal)
a book of verse which ranged from the barely tolerable to the utterly dire
inferior
These recordings are of inferior quality.
duff (British, informal)
A couple of duff tracks prevent this being a masterpiece.
unsatisfactory
The inspectors said a third of lessons were unsatisfactory.
lousy (informal)
The menu is limited and the food is lousy.
pitiful (informal)
laughable
atrocious (informal)
The food here is atrocious.
abysmal (informal)
The general standard was abysmal.
frightful
substandard
crummy (informal)
This is a lot better than some of the crummy places I've stayed in.
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang)
5 (adjective)
Definition
very serious or extreme
He claimed that he had a terrible pain in his head.We are in terrible trouble.
Synonyms
serious
His condition was serious but stable.
desperate
Troops are needed to get food to people in desperate need.
severe
The fence collapsed during the recent severe weather.
extreme
people living in extreme poverty
bad
The pain is often so bad she wants to scream.
dangerous
insufferable
Opposites
mild
,
insignificant
,
paltry
,
small
, moderate,
harmless
6 (adjective)
Definition
very bad, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory
It was a terrible thing to do to someone.
Synonyms
unkind
He apologised for being unkind.
nasty
He's only nasty to me when there's no-one around to see it.
cruel
off (informal)
mean
Upstaging the bride was a particularly mean trick.
dirty (informal)
That was a dirty trick to play.
unfair
foul
beastly (informal)
He must be wondering why everyone is being so beastly to him.
unacceptable
His rude behaviour was unacceptable.
unpleasant
He was very unpleasant indeed.
poisonous
shabby
It was hard to know why the man deserved such shabby treatment.
vile
a vile and despicable crime
malicious
low-down (informal)
They will stoop to every low-down trick.
hurtful
Her comments were very hurtful to Mrs Green's family.
out of order (British, informal)
unwarranted
obnoxious
despicable
He said it was a despicable crime.
spiteful
hateful
mean-spirited
contemptible
Her husband is a contemptible little man.
It was an utterly contemptible thing to do.
shitty (taboo, slang)
wretched
Politicians – I hate the whole wretched lot of them.
uncharitable
an uncharitable assessment of the reasons for the failure
below the belt
uncalled for
dirty rotten (informal)
7 (adjective)
Definition
very serious or extreme
She's such a terrible show-off.
Synonyms
incorrigible
right (British, informal)
real
great
shocking
impossible (informal)
extreme
awful
I looked awful and felt quite sleepy.
proper (British, informal)
dreadful
outrageous
I must apologize for my friend's outrageous behaviour.
fearful (informal)
frightful
He got himself into a frightful muddle.
8 (adjective)
Definition
very bad, unpleasant, or unsatisfactory
He said he felt terrible about cancelling the concert.
Synonyms
guilty
When she saw me, she looked extremely guilty.
sorry
She was very sorry about all the trouble she'd caused.
ashamed
He was ashamed at how shabbily he had dressed for the occasion.
apologetic
The staff were very apologetic about the mistake.
chastened
contrite
He was so contrite that he wrote me a letter of apology.
repentant
a repentant criminal
guilt-ridden
remorseful
He was genuinely remorseful.
regretful
He gave a regretful smile.
penitent
a penitent sinner
shamefaced
There was a long silence and my father looked shamefaced.
full of regret
conscience-stricken
self-reproachful
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abhorrent
Definition
hateful or disgusting
Most people find cruelty to animals abhorrent.
Synonyms
hateful,
hated,
offensive,
disgusting,
horrible,
revolting,
obscene,
distasteful,
horrid,
repellent,
obnoxious,
despicable,
repulsive,
heinous,
odious,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abominable,
execrable,
detestable
in the sense of abysmal
Definition
extremely bad
The general standard was abysmal.
Synonyms
dreadful,
bad,
terrible (informal),
awful,
appalling,
dismal,
dire,
ghastly,
hideous,
atrocious,
godawful (informal)
in the sense of apologetic
Definition
showing or expressing regret
The staff were very apologetic about the mistake.
Synonyms
regretful,
sorry,
rueful,
contrite,
remorseful,
penitent
Synonyms of 'terrible'
terrible
Explore 'terrible' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of appalling
Definition
causing dismay, horror, or revulsion
They have been living under the most appalling conditions.
Synonyms
horrifying,
shocking (informal),
terrible,
alarming,
frightening,
scaring,
awful,
terrifying,
horrible,
grim,
dreadful,
intimidating,
dismaying,
horrific,
fearful (informal),
daunting,
dire,
astounding,
ghastly,
hideous,
shameful,
harrowing,
vile,
unnerving,
petrifying,
horrid,
unspeakable,
frightful,
nightmarish,
abominable,
disheartening,
godawful (slang),
hellacious (US, slang),
from hell (informal)
in the sense of ashamed
Definition
overcome with shame or remorse
He was ashamed at how shabbily he had dressed for the occasion.
Synonyms
embarrassed,
sorry,
guilty,
upset,
distressed,
shy,
humbled,
humiliated,
blushing,
self-conscious,
red-faced,
chagrined,
flustered,
mortified,
sheepish,
bashful,
prudish,
crestfallen,
discomfited,
remorseful,
abashed,
shamefaced,
conscience-stricken,
discountenanced
in the sense of atrocious
Definition
horrifying or shocking
The food here is atrocious.
Synonyms
shocking,
terrible (informal),
appalling,
horrible,
godawful (slang),
hellacious (US, slang),
execrable,
detestable
in the sense of beastly
Definition
unpleasant
The weather was beastly.
Synonyms
unpleasant,
mean,
terrible (informal),
awful,
nasty,
foul,
rotten (informal),
horrid (informal),
disagreeable,
irksome,
shitty (taboo, slang)
in the sense of beastly
He must be wondering why everyone is being so beastly to him.
Synonyms
cruel,
mean (informal),
nasty,
harsh,
savage,
brutal,
coarse,
monstrous,
malicious,
insensitive,
sadistic,
unfriendly,
unsympathetic,
uncaring,
spiteful,
thoughtless,
brutish,
barbarous,
unfeeling,
inconsiderate,
bestial,
uncharitable,
unchristian,
hardhearted
in the sense of conscience-stricken
Definition
feeling guilty because of having done something wrong
Synonyms
guilty,
troubled,
sorry,
disturbed,
ashamed,
contrite,
repentant,
remorseful,
penitent,
compunctious
in the sense of contemptible
Definition
deserving to be despised or hated
Her husband is a contemptible little man.It was an utterly contemptible thing to do.
Synonyms
despicable,
mean,
low,
base,
cheap (informal),
worthless,
shameful,
shabby,
vile,
degenerate,
low-down (informal),
paltry,
pitiful,
abject,
ignominious,
measly (informal),
scurvy (old-fashioned),
detestable,
odious
in the sense of contrite
Definition
full of guilt or regret
He was so contrite that he wrote me a letter of apology.
Synonyms
sorry,
humble,
chastened,
sorrowful,
repentant,
remorseful,
regretful,
penitent,
conscience-stricken,
in sackcloth and ashes
in the sense of crook
He admitted to feeling a bit crook.
Synonyms
ill,
sick,
poorly (informal),
funny (informal),
weak,
ailing,
queer,
frail,
feeble,
unhealthy,
seedy (informal),
sickly,
unwell,
laid up (informal),
queasy,
infirm,
out of sorts (informal),
dicky (British, informal),
nauseous,
off-colour,
under the weather (informal),
at death's door,
indisposed,
peaky,
on the sick list (informal),
green about the gills
in the sense of crummy
Definition
of very bad quality
This is a lot better than some of the crummy places I've stayed in.
Synonyms
second-rate,
cheap,
inferior,
substandard,
poor,
pants (informal),
miserable,
rotten (informal),
duff (British, informal),
lousy (slang),
shoddy,
trashy,
low-rent (informal),
for the birds (informal),
third-rate,
contemptible,
shitty (taboo, slang),
two-bit (slang),
crappy (slang),
rubbishy,
poxy (slang),
dime-a-dozen (informal),
piss-poor (slang),
chickenshit (US, slang),
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang),
bush-league (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
tinhorn (US, slang),
of a sort or of sorts,
strictly for the birds (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of desperate
Definition
very grave
Troops are needed to get food to people in desperate need.
Synonyms
grave,
great,
pressing,
serious,
critical,
acute,
severe,
extreme,
urgent,
dire,
drastic,
very grave
in the sense of despicable
Definition
deserving contempt
He said it was a despicable crime.
Synonyms
contemptible,
mean,
low,
base,
cheap (informal),
infamous,
degrading,
worthless,
disgraceful,
shameful,
vile,
sordid,
pitiful,
abject,
hateful,
reprehensible,
ignominious,
disreputable,
wretched,
scurvy (old-fashioned),
detestable,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand),
beyond contempt
in the sense of dire
Definition
disastrous, urgent, or terrible
a book of verse which ranged from the barely tolerable to the utterly dire
Synonyms
terrible,
awful,
appalling,
dreadful,
abysmal,
frightful,
godawful (slang)
in the sense of dirty
Definition
unfair, dishonest, or unkind
That was a dirty trick to play.
Synonyms
despicable,
mean,
low,
base,
cheap (informal),
nasty,
cowardly,
beggarly,
worthless,
shameful,
shabby,
vile,
sordid,
low-down (informal),
abject,
squalid,
ignominious,
contemptible,
wretched,
scurvy (old-fashioned),
detestable,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of dread
It was almost impossible to have a chat without someone using the dread phrase `going forward '.
Synonyms
frightening,
terrible,
alarming,
awful,
terrifying,
horrible,
dreadful,
dreaded,
dire,
frightful
in the sense of dreaded
this dreaded disease
Synonyms
feared,
dread (literary),
dreadful
in the sense of dreadful
Definition
extremely disagreeable or shocking
They told us the dreadful news.
Synonyms
terrible,
shocking (informal),
awful,
alarming,
distressing,
appalling,
tragic,
horrible,
formidable,
fearful (informal),
dire,
horrendous,
hideous,
monstrous,
from hell (informal),
grievous,
atrocious,
frightful,
godawful (slang),
hellacious (US, slang)
in the sense of duff
Definition
broken or useless
A couple of duff tracks prevent this being a masterpiece.
Synonyms
bad,
poor,
useless,
pathetic,
inferior,
worthless,
unsatisfactory,
defective,
deficient,
imperfect,
substandard,
low-rent (informal),
poxy (slang),
pants (informal),
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of extreme
Definition
of a high or the highest degree or intensity
people living in extreme poverty
Synonyms
great,
high,
highest,
greatest,
worst,
supreme,
acute,
severe,
maximum,
intense,
ultimate,
utmost,
mother of all (informal),
uttermost
in the sense of fearful
Definition
very bad
The earthquake was a fearful disaster.
Synonyms
frightful,
shocking (informal),
terrible,
awful,
distressing,
appalling,
horrible,
grim,
dreadful,
horrific,
dire,
horrendous,
ghastly,
hideous,
monstrous,
harrowing,
gruesome,
grievous,
unspeakable,
atrocious,
hair-raising,
hellacious (US, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of foul
Definition
offensive or loathsome
He is accused of all manner of foul deeds.
Synonyms
offensive,
bad,
base,
wrong,
evil,
notorious,
corrupt,
vicious,
infamous,
disgraceful,
shameful,
vile,
immoral,
scandalous,
wicked,
sinful,
despicable,
heinous,
hateful,
abhorrent,
egregious,
abominable,
shitty (taboo, slang),
dishonourable,
nefarious,
iniquitous,
detestable
in the sense of frightful
Definition
very alarming or horrifying
We were trapped overnight in frightful conditions.
Synonyms
terrible,
shocking (informal),
alarming,
awful,
appalling,
horrible,
grim,
terrifying,
dreadful,
dread (literary),
fearful (informal),
traumatic,
dire,
horrendous,
ghastly,
hideous,
harrowing,
gruesome,
unnerving,
lurid,
from hell (informal),
grisly,
macabre,
petrifying,
horrid,
unspeakable,
godawful (slang),
hellacious (US, slang)
in the sense of frightful
Definition
extreme
He got himself into a frightful muddle.
Synonyms
dreadful,
great,
terrible,
extreme,
awful,
annoying,
unpleasant,
disagreeable,
insufferable
in the sense of gruesome
Definition
inspiring horror and disgust
There has been a series of gruesome murders in the capital.
Synonyms
horrific,
shocking,
terrible,
awful,
horrible,
grim,
horrifying,
fearful (informal),
obscene,
horrendous,
ghastly,
hideous,
from hell (informal),
grisly,
macabre,
horrid,
repulsive,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abominable,
spine-chilling,
hellacious (US, slang)
in the sense of hateful
Definition
causing or deserving hate
Why must I live in this hateful place?
Synonyms
horrible,
despicable,
offensive,
foul,
disgusting,
forbidding,
revolting,
obscene,
vile,
repellent,
obnoxious,
repulsive,
heinous,
odious,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
execrable,
detestable
in the sense of hideous
Definition
extremely ugly or unpleasant
His family was subjected to a hideous attack.
Synonyms
terrifying,
shocking,
terrible,
awful,
appalling,
disgusting,
horrible,
dreadful,
horrific,
obscene,
sickening,
horrendous,
macabre,
horrid,
odious,
loathsome,
abominable,
detestable,
godawful (slang)
in the sense of hopeless
Definition
without skill or ability
I'd be hopeless at working for somebody else.
Synonyms
no good,
inadequate,
useless (informal),
poor,
pants (informal),
pathetic,
inferior,
incompetent,
ineffectual
in the sense of horrendous
Definition
very unpleasant or shocking
The violence used was horrendous.
Synonyms
horrific,
shocking (informal),
appalling,
frightening,
awful,
terrifying,
grim,
dreadful,
horrifying,
ghastly,
grisly,
frightful,
hellacious (US, slang)
in the sense of horrible
Definition
causing fear, shock, or disgust
Still the horrible shrieking came out of his mouth.
Synonyms
terrible,
awful,
appalling,
terrifying,
shocking,
grim,
dreadful,
revolting,
fearful (informal),
obscene,
ghastly,
hideous,
shameful,
gruesome,
from hell (informal),
grisly,
horrid,
repulsive,
frightful,
heinous,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
hellacious (US, slang)
in the sense of horrid
Definition
disagreeable or unpleasant
What a horrid smell!
Synonyms
unpleasant,
terrible (informal),
awful,
offensive,
nasty,
disgusting,
horrible,
dreadful,
obscene,
disagreeable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of hurtful
Her comments were very hurtful to Mrs Green's family.
Synonyms
unkind,
upsetting,
distressing,
mean,
cutting,
damaging,
wounding,
nasty,
cruel,
destructive,
harmful,
malicious,
mischievous,
detrimental,
pernicious (formal),
spiteful,
prejudicial,
injurious,
disadvantageous,
maleficent
in the sense of indisposed
Definition
sick or ill
The speaker was regrettably indisposed.
Synonyms
ill,
poorly (informal),
sick,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
ailing,
unwell,
laid up (informal),
under the weather,
confined to bed,
on the sick list (informal)
in the sense of inferior
Definition
of poor quality
These recordings are of inferior quality.
Synonyms
substandard,
bad,
poor,
mean,
worse,
poorer,
pants (informal),
flawed,
rotten (informal),
dire,
indifferent,
duff (British, informal),
mediocre,
second-class,
deficient,
imperfect,
second-rate,
shoddy,
low-grade,
unsound,
downmarket,
low-rent (informal),
for the birds (informal),
wretched,
two-bit (slang),
crappy (slang),
no great shakes (informal),
poxy (slang),
dime-a-dozen (informal),
piss-poor (slang),
chickenshit (US, slang),
bush-league (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
not much cop (British, slang),
tinhorn (US, slang),
half-pie (New Zealand, informal),
of a sort or of sorts,
strictly for the birds (informal),
end-of-the-pier (British, informal),
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of loathsome
Definition
causing loathing
the loathsome spectacle we were obliged to witness
Synonyms
hateful,
offensive,
nasty,
disgusting,
horrible,
revolting,
obscene,
vile,
obnoxious,
repulsive,
nauseating,
odious,
repugnant,
abhorrent,
abominable,
execrable,
detestable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of lousy
Definition
ill or unwell
I wasn't actually sick but I was feeling lousy.
Synonyms
unwell,
poorly (informal),
ill,
sick,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
seedy (informal),
queasy,
out of sorts (informal),
off-colour,
under the weather (informal)
in the sense of lousy
Definition
inferior or bad
The menu is limited and the food is lousy.
Synonyms
inferior,
bad,
poor,
terrible,
awful,
no good,
miserable,
rotten (informal, old-fashioned),
duff (British, informal),
second-rate,
shoddy,
low-rent (informal),
for the birds (informal, old-fashioned),
shitty (taboo, slang),
two-bit (slang),
slovenly,
poxy (slang),
dime-a-dozen (informal),
piss-poor (slang),
chickenshit (US, slang),
bush-league (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
not much cop (British, slang),
tinhorn (US, slang),
of a sort or of sorts,
strictly for the birds (informal, old-fashioned),
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of low-down
Definition
mean, underhand, and dishonest
They will stoop to every low-down trick.
Synonyms
mean,
low,
base,
cheap (informal),
nasty,
ugly,
despicable,
reprehensible,
contemptible,
underhand,
scurvy (old-fashioned)
in the sense of mean
Definition
ashamed
Upstaging the bride was a particularly mean trick.
Synonyms
dishonourable,
base,
petty,
degraded,
disgraceful,
shameful,
shabby,
vile,
degenerate,
callous,
sordid,
abject,
despicable,
narrow-minded,
contemptible,
wretched,
scurvy (old-fashioned),
ignoble,
hard-hearted,
scungy (Australian, New Zealand),
low-minded
in the sense of monstrous
Definition
hideous or unnatural in size or character
the film's monstrous fantasy figure
Synonyms
unnatural,
terrible,
horrible,
dreadful,
abnormal,
obscene,
horrendous,
hideous,
grotesque,
gruesome,
frightful,
hellish (informal),
freakish,
fiendish,
miscreated,
teratoid
in the sense of nasty
Definition
(of a person) spiteful or ill-natured
He's only nasty to me when there's no-one around to see it.
Synonyms
spiteful,
mean (informal),
offensive,
annoying,
vicious,
unpleasant,
abusive,
vile,
malicious,
bad-tempered,
despicable,
disagreeable
Additional synonyms
in the sense of nauseous
Definition
as if about to be sick
Sea travel makes me feel nauseous.
Synonyms
sick,
green,
ill,
unwell,
nauseated,
queasy,
bilious,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of obnoxious
Definition
extremely unpleasant
The people at my table were so obnoxious, I had to leave.
Synonyms
loathsome,
offensive,
nasty,
foul,
disgusting,
unpleasant,
revolting,
obscene,
sickening,
vile,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
repulsive,
objectionable,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
odious,
hateful,
repugnant,
reprehensible,
abhorrent,
abominable,
insufferable,
execrable,
detestable,
hateable,
dislikable or dislikeable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of obscene
Definition
disgusting
It was obscene to spend millions producing unwanted food.
Synonyms
offensive,
shocking,
evil,
disgusting,
outrageous,
revolting,
sickening,
vile,
wicked,
repellent,
atrocious,
obnoxious,
heinous,
nauseating,
odious,
loathsome,
abominable,
detestable
in the sense of odious
Definition
offensive or hateful
He's the most odious man I have ever met.
Synonyms
offensive,
nasty,
foul,
disgusting,
horrible,
unpleasant,
revolting,
obscene,
sickening,
vile,
horrid,
repellent,
unsavoury,
obnoxious,
unpalatable,
repulsive,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
hateful,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
execrable,
detestable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of offensive
Definition
unpleasant or disgusting to the senses
the offensive smell of manure
Synonyms
disgusting,
gross,
nasty,
foul,
unpleasant,
revolting,
stinking,
sickening,
vile,
repellent,
unsavoury,
obnoxious,
unpalatable,
objectionable,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
odious,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abominable,
grotty (slang),
detestable,
noisome,
yucky or yukky (slang),
festy (Australian, slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of out of sorts
Definition
not in normal good health or temper
At times, he has seemed lifeless and out of sorts.
Synonyms
unwell,
ill,
sick,
poorly (informal),
funny (informal),
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
ailing,
queer,
unhealthy,
seedy (informal),
laid up (informal),
queasy,
infirm,
dicky (British, informal),
off colour,
under the weather (informal),
at death's door,
indisposed,
on the sick list (informal),
not up to par,
valetudinarian,
green about the gills (informal),
not up to snuff (informal)
in the sense of outrageous
Definition
unusual and shocking
I must apologize for my friend's outrageous behaviour.
Synonyms
atrocious,
shocking,
terrible,
violent,
offensive,
appalling,
cruel,
savage,
horrible,
beastly,
horrifying,
vicious,
ruthless,
infamous,
disgraceful,
scandalous,
wicked,
barbaric,
unspeakable,
inhuman,
diabolical,
heinous,
flagrant,
egregious,
abominable,
infernal,
fiendish,
villainous,
nefarious,
iniquitous,
execrable,
godawful (slang),
hellacious (US, slang)
in the sense of pathetic
Definition
distressingly inadequate
That's the most pathetic excuse I've ever heard.
Synonyms
inadequate,
useless,
feeble,
poor,
sorry,
wet (British, informal),
pants (informal),
miserable,
petty,
worthless,
meagre,
pitiful,
woeful,
deplorable,
lamentable,
trashy,
measly (informal),
crummy (slang),
crappy (slang),
rubbishy,
poxy (slang),
wanky (taboo, slang),
chickenshit (US, slang)
in the sense of peaky
Definition
pale and sickly
Are you feeling all right? You look a little peaky.
Synonyms
off colour,
poorly (informal),
ill,
sick,
pale,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
pinched,
wan,
sickly,
unwell,
emaciated,
under the weather (informal),
in poor shape,
like death warmed up (informal),
green about the gills,
peelie-wally (Scottish)
in the sense of penitent
Definition
feeling regret for one's sins
a penitent sinner
Synonyms
repentant,
sorry,
apologetic,
abject,
atoning,
rueful,
contrite,
sorrowful,
remorseful,
regretful,
conscience-stricken
Additional synonyms
in the sense of poor
Definition
disappointing or disagreeable
The meal was very poor.He was a poor actor.
Synonyms
inferior,
unsatisfactory,
mediocre,
second-rate,
sorry,
weak,
pants (informal),
rotten (informal),
faulty,
feeble,
worthless,
shabby,
shoddy,
low-grade,
below par,
substandard,
low-rent (informal),
for the birds (informal, old-fashioned),
crappy (slang),
valueless,
no great shakes (informal, old-fashioned),
rubbishy,
poxy (slang),
piss-poor (slang),
chickenshit (US, slang),
not much cop (British, slang),
half-pie (New Zealand, informal),
strictly for the birds (informal, old-fashioned),
bodger or bodgie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of poorly
Definition
rather ill
I've just phoned Julie and she's still poorly.
Synonyms
ill,
sick,
ailing,
unwell,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
seedy (informal),
below par,
out of sorts,
off colour,
under the weather (informal),
indisposed,
feeling rotten (informal)
in the sense of queasy
Definition
having the feeling that one is about to vomit
He was prone to sickness and already felt queasy.
Synonyms
sick,
ill,
nauseous,
squeamish,
upset,
uncomfortable,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
queer,
unwell,
giddy,
nauseated,
groggy (informal),
off colour,
bilious,
indisposed,
green about the gills (informal),
sickish
in the sense of regretful
He gave a regretful smile.
Synonyms
sorry,
disappointed,
sad,
ashamed,
apologetic,
mournful,
rueful,
contrite,
sorrowful,
repentant,
remorseful,
penitent
in the sense of remorseful
He was genuinely remorseful.
Synonyms
regretful,
sorry,
guilty,
sad,
ashamed,
apologetic,
chastened,
rueful,
contrite,
sorrowful,
repentant,
guilt-ridden,
penitent,
conscience-stricken,
self-reproachful
in the sense of repentant
a repentant criminal
Synonyms
regretful,
sorry,
ashamed,
apologetic,
chastened,
rueful,
contrite,
remorseful,
penitent,
self-reproachful
in the sense of repulsive
Definition
disgusting or distasteful
repulsive, fat, white slugs
Synonyms
disgusting,
offensive,
foul,
ugly,
forbidding,
unpleasant,
revolting,
obscene,
sickening,
hideous,
vile,
distasteful,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
obnoxious,
objectionable,
disagreeable,
nauseating,
odious,
hateful,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang),
fugly (US, Australian)
in the sense of revolting
Definition
horrible and disgusting
The smell in the cell was revolting.
Synonyms
disgusting,
shocking,
offensive,
appalling,
nasty,
foul,
horrible,
obscene,
sickening,
distasteful,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
obnoxious,
repulsive,
nauseating,
repugnant,
loathsome,
abhorrent,
abominable,
nauseous,
cringe-making (British, informal),
noisome,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of rough
Definition
ill
The lad is still feeling a bit rough.
Synonyms
unwell,
poorly (informal),
ill,
upset,
sick,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
rotten (informal),
below par,
off colour,
under the weather (informal),
not a hundred per cent (informal),
ropey or ropy (British, informal)
in the sense of severe
Definition
causing discomfort by its harshness
The fence collapsed during the recent severe weather.
Synonyms
violent,
wild,
extreme,
intense,
dangerous,
fierce,
turbulent,
forceful,
tumultuous,
inclement
Additional synonyms
in the sense of unpleasant
Definition
not pleasant or agreeable
He was very unpleasant indeed.
Synonyms
obnoxious,
disagreeable,
vicious,
malicious,
rude,
mean (informal),
cruel,
poisonous,
unattractive,
unfriendly,
vindictive,
venomous,
mean-spirited,
inconsiderate,
impolite,
unloveable,
ill-natured,
unlikable or unlikeable
in the sense of unsatisfactory
Definition
not good enough
The inspectors said a third of lessons were unsatisfactory.
Synonyms
not good enough,
inadequate,
unacceptable,
poor,
disappointing,
weak,
pathetic,
insufficient,
unsuitable,
mediocre,
deficient,
unworthy,
displeasing,
not up to scratch (informal),
no great shakes (informal),
not much cop (British, slang),
not up to par
in the sense of unspeakable
Definition
indescribably bad or evil
the unspeakable horrors of chemical weapons
Synonyms
dreadful,
shocking,
appalling,
evil,
awful,
overwhelming,
horrible,
unbelievable,
monstrous,
from hell (informal),
inconceivable,
unimaginable,
repellent,
abysmal,
frightful,
heinous,
odious,
indescribable,
loathsome,
abominable,
ineffable,
beyond words,
execrable,
unutterable,
inexpressible,
beyond description,
hellacious (US, slang),
too horrible for words
in the sense of unwell
Definition
not healthy
He felt unwell as he was being driven back to his office.
Synonyms
ill,
poorly (informal),
sick,
crook (Australian, New Zealand, informal),
ailing,
unhealthy,
sickly,
out of sorts,
off colour,
under the weather (informal),
in poor health,
at death's door,
indisposed,
green about the gills
in the sense of vile
Definition
disgusting
the vile smell of mouldy cheese
Synonyms
disgusting,
foul,
revolting,
offensive,
nasty,
obscene,
sickening,
horrid (informal),
repellent,
repulsive,
noxious,
nauseating,
repugnant,
loathsome,
yucky or yukky (slang),
yucko (Australian, slang)
in the sense of vile
Definition
morally wicked
a vile and despicable crime
Synonyms
wicked,
base,
evil,
mean,
bad,
low,
shocking,
appalling,
ugly,
corrupt,
miserable,
vicious,
humiliating,
perverted,
coarse,
degrading,
worthless,
disgraceful,
vulgar,
degenerate,
abject,
sinful,
despicable,
depraved,
debased,
loathsome,
contemptible,
impure,
wretched,
nefarious,
ignoble
in the sense of wretched
Politicians – I hate the whole wretched lot of them.