awful
1 of 2adjective
aw·ful ˈȯ-fəl 
1
: extremely disagreeable or objectionable
awful food
awful behavior
an awful experience
2
informal : exceedingly great —used as an intensive
an awful lot of money
3
: inspiring awe
… the presence of Nature in all her awful loveliness.
George Eliot
George Eliot4
: filled with awe: such as
a
: deeply respectful or reverential
b
obsolete : afraid, terrified
awfully
ˈȯ-fə-lē
adverb especially as an adverb of adjective senses 3 and 4 -flē
an awfully [=extremely] long time
behaving awfully
awfulness
ˈȯ-fəl-nəs
noun awful
2 of 2adverb
chiefly US, informal
: very, extremely
awful tired
an awful long time
Synonyms
Adjective
- abhorrent
- abominable
- appalling
- disgusting
- distasteful
- dreadful
- evil
- foul
- fulsome
- gross
- hideous
- horrendous
- horrible
- horrid
- loathsome
- nasty
- nauseating
- nauseous
- noisome
- noxious
- obnoxious
- obscene
- odious
- offensive
- rancid
- repellent
- repellant
- repugnant
- repulsive
- revolting
- scandalous
- shocking
- sickening
- ugly
Adverb
- achingly
- almighty
- archly
- awfully
- badly
- beastly
- blisteringly
- bone
- colossally
- corking
- cracking
- damn
- damned
- dang
- deadly
- desperately
- eminently
- enormously
- especially
- ever
- exceedingly
- exceeding
- extra
- extremely
- fabulously
- fantastically
- far
- fiercely
- filthy
- frightfully
- full
- greatly
- heavily
- highly
- hugely
- immensely
- incredibly
- intensely
- jolly
- majorly
- mightily
- mighty
- monstrous [chiefly dialect]
- mortally
- most
- much
- particularly
- passing
- rattling
- real
- really
- right
- roaring
- roaringly
- seriously
- severely
- so
- sore
- sorely
- spanking
- specially
- stinking
- such
- super
- supremely
- surpassingly
- terribly
- that
- thumping
- too
- unco
- uncommonly
- vastly
- very
- vitally
- way
- whacking
- wicked
- wildly
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective They heard the most awful sounds. Awful things began to happen. He has some awful disease. That joke is just awful. That's an awful thing to say. Who painted the house that awful color? The mountains have an awful majesty. Adverb We haven't heard from him in an awful long time. You've come an awful long way. See More
Recent Examples on the Web Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2022 If the defense had been less than awful, such as in the finale when a Raiders draw converted a critical third-and-23, his system would’ve received the credit. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 MacKenzie, who pitched for Yale, was the only pitcher on the original, endearingly awful 1962 Mets to post a winning record. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 10 Sep. 2022 And that’s where the hope, in the wake of this awful tragedy for my city, comes in. Jeff Eager, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Despite the awful weather, the crowds grew and people stood under their umbrellas just looking at the central London Palace, taking in this historical moment. Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, 9 Sep. 2022 Yes, heartbreak is real and awful, but life and nature keep going. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 Medical folks, to his objection, put it in one of those awful plaster casts a couple of days before duck season opened. Steve Meyer, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Sep. 2022 Healey’s fait accompli is likely to depress turnout on Tuesday (the day after Labor Day weekend is a truly awful day on which to hold a primary, by the way). BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2022 Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2022 First, there is the question whether the awful-looking restraint maneuver Chauvin used was actually authorized at the time, or at least not clearly forbidden. D.j. Tice, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021 The following day, Gonzalez was back at the testing site, helping patients — many of whom had fevers and awful-sounding coughs — fill out their paperwork. Karen Ann Cullotta, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2020 See More
Adjective
The Hurricanes didn’t have an awful day in pass coverage, but the Golden Eagles did get the better of UM’s defensive backs on some 50-50 balls. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2022 If the defense had been less than awful, such as in the finale when a Raiders draw converted a critical third-and-23, his system would’ve received the credit. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2022 MacKenzie, who pitched for Yale, was the only pitcher on the original, endearingly awful 1962 Mets to post a winning record. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 10 Sep. 2022 And that’s where the hope, in the wake of this awful tragedy for my city, comes in. Jeff Eager, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022 Despite the awful weather, the crowds grew and people stood under their umbrellas just looking at the central London Palace, taking in this historical moment. Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, 9 Sep. 2022 Yes, heartbreak is real and awful, but life and nature keep going. Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 Medical folks, to his objection, put it in one of those awful plaster casts a couple of days before duck season opened. Steve Meyer, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Sep. 2022 Healey’s fait accompli is likely to depress turnout on Tuesday (the day after Labor Day weekend is a truly awful day on which to hold a primary, by the way). BostonGlobe.com, 3 Sep. 2022 Adverb
Someone who has worked awful hard, has a great skill set, four years of college, four years of lifting, four years of game-planning at a high level in Division III. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2022 First, there is the question whether the awful-looking restraint maneuver Chauvin used was actually authorized at the time, or at least not clearly forbidden. D.j. Tice, Star Tribune, 20 Feb. 2021 The following day, Gonzalez was back at the testing site, helping patients — many of whom had fevers and awful-sounding coughs — fill out their paperwork. Karen Ann Cullotta, chicagotribune.com, 2 Oct. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English aghful, awful "frightful, terrifying, commanding great respect, worthy of reverence," from aw, awe "terror, dread, extreme reverence" + -ful -ful entry 1 — more at awe entry 1
Adverb
derivative of awful entry 1
First Known Use
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3
Adverb
1816, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing awful
Kids Definition
awful 1 of 2
adjective
aw·ful ˈȯ-fəl
1
: extremely bad or unpleasant
an awful cold
Rodrick's band is REALLY awful, and I can't stand being home when they're having rehearsals. Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid2
: very much
We have an awful lot to do.
3
: causing fear or terror
an awful roar
awful
2 of 2adverb
: awfully
That's an awful dangerous stunt.
awful 1 of 2
adjective
1
as in horrible
causing intense displeasure, disgust, or resentment that's an awful thing to say about someone Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- horrible
- disgusting
- ugly
- hideous
- sickening
- dreadful
- shocking
- obscene
- obnoxious
- offensive
- nasty
- unpleasant
- terrible
- horrid
- appalling
- horrendous
- evil
- abominable
- horrific
- loathsome
- abhorrent
- revolting
- odious
- gross
- gruesome
- repulsive
- repugnant
- distasteful
- scandalous
- nauseating
- noxious
- nauseous
- undesirable
- repellent
- foul
- vile
- disturbing
- rancid
- noisome
- fulsome
- miserable
- hateful
- horrifying
- monstrous
- unwanted
- atrocious
- grim
- disagreeable
- repellant
- objectionable
- detestable
- ghastly
- despicable
- heinous
- contemptible
- sick
- lousy
- nightmarish
- unspeakable
- execrable
- unhealthy
- frightful
- grisly
- unwholesome
- hard
- exceptionable
- upsetting
- brackish
- sickly
- unwelcome
- barbarous
- ungodly
- unsavory
- dislikeable
- dislikable
- macabre
- unholy
- lurid
- sickish
- uncivilized
- distressing
- unchristian
- off-putting
- grewsome
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- acceptable
- innocuous
- pleasant
- delightful
- nice
- delicious
- sweet
- desirable
- enjoyable
- attractive
- agreeable
- inoffensive
- alluring
- heavenly
- appealing
- satisfying
- dreamy
- pleasurable
- pleasing
- congenial
- luscious
- blessed
- gratifying
- darling
- likeable
- likable
- delectable
- welcome
- palatable
- felicitous
- unobjectionable
- inviting
- unexceptionable
- savoury
- savory
- blest
- dulcet
- wholesome
- healthy
- salubrious
- salutary
- healthful
- restorative
- delightsome
2
as in amazing
causing wonder or astonishment the awful power of Niagara Falls Synonyms & Similar Words
- amazing
- wonderful
- astonishing
- miraculous
- surprising
- incredible
- marvellous
- marvelous
- awesome
- sublime
- stunning
- extraordinary
- stupendous
- staggering
- impressive
- remarkable
- wondrous
- spectacular
- astounding
- fabulous
- unbelievable
- portentous
- unusual
- prodigious
- incomprehensible
- interesting
- unimaginable
- inconceivable
- unthinkable
- fascinating
- outstanding
- exciting
- eye-opening
- uncommon
- rare
- phenomenal
- unique
- noticeable
- striking
- attractive
- enchanting
- charming
- notable
- sensational
- conspicuous
- unwonted
- alluring
- smashing
- entertaining
- enlightening
- mind-boggling
- singular
- attracting
- invigorating
- bewitching
- enthralling
- mind-blowing
- beguiling
- enlivening
- captivating
- energizing
- animating
- mind-bending
- galvanizing
- stimulating
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unremarkable
- unimpressive
- tedious
- boring
- uninteresting
- dull
- uninspiring
- monotonous
- normal
- uninspired
- typical
- tiring
- usual
- ordinary
- common
- weary
- wearisome
- unexceptional
- mundane
- wearying
- customary
- debilitating
- exhausting
- fatiguing
- draining
- discouraging
- dispiriting
- disheartening
- jading
- demoralizing
- enervating
- wearing
- enfeebling
3
as in horrific
extremely disturbing or repellent spare me the awful details of the murder Synonyms & Similar Words
- horrific
- gruesome
- horrible
- terrible
- shocking
- nightmare
- dreadful
- horrifying
- frightening
- hideous
- terrific
- terrifying
- horrid
- appalling
- atrocious
- horrendous
- scary
- ghastly
- nightmarish
- sickening
- disgusting
- grisly
- frightful
- monstrous
- macabre
- lurid
- ugly
- alarming
- fearful
- loathsome
- intimidating
- dire
- revolting
- abominable
- obscene
- grewsome
- repulsive
- deplorable
- abhorrent
- grotesque
- offensive
- heinous
- obnoxious
- formidable
- repugnant
- disagreeable
- direful
- odious
- unspeakable
- forbidding
- nauseating
- evil
- vile
- fearsome
- distasteful
- gut-wrenching
- noxious
- redoubtable
- bloodcurdling
- unsightly
- hair-raising
- heart-stopping
- noisome
- foul
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- pleasant
- delightful
- delicious
- attractive
- enjoyable
- agreeable
- appealing
- pleasurable
- satisfying
- pleasing
- welcome
- delectable
- enticing
- inviting
- comforting
- soothing
- cheering
4
as in terrible
extremely unsatisfactory I can't believe I spent good money to see that movie—it was awful Synonyms & Similar Words
- horrible
- terrible
- poor
- atrocious
- bad
- wretched
- rotten
- dismal
- lousy
- execrable
- sucky
- defective
- inadequate
- flawed
- punk
- miserable
- insufficient
- shameful
- lacking
- substandard
- worthless
- deficient
- contemptible
- useless
- mediocre
- inferior
- abominable
- off
- reprehensible
- wanting
- faulty
- odious
- vile
- damnable
- valueless
- bum
- fiendish
- low-grade
- second-rate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- great
- wonderful
- marvellous
- marvelous
- excellent
- exceptional
- superior
- adequate
- choice
- prime
- acceptable
- sufficient
- bitchin'
- premium
- satisfactory
- first-rate
- first-class
awful
2 of 2adverb
as in terribly
to a great degree that's awful sweet of you Synonyms & Similar Words
- terribly
- incredibly
- extremely
- damned
- damn
- very
- badly
- too
- so
- that
- really
- severely
- highly
- jolly
- desperately
- seriously
- awfully
- super
- real
- filthy
- intensely
- most
- greatly
- exceptionally
- fantastically
- full
- especially
- such
- far
- frightfully
- wildly
- wicked
- deadly
- stinking
- mighty
- much
- particularly
- good and
- absolutely
- heavily
- monstrous
- fabulously
- immensely
- exceedingly
- dang
- utterly
- supremely
- sore
- uncommonly
- remarkably
- hugely
- surpassingly
- totally
- way
- specially
- fiercely
- beastly
- passing
- roaring
- enormously
- exceeding
- rattling
- vitally
- positively
- eminently
- vastly
- extra
- almighty
- achingly
- mortally
- cracking
- completely
- thoroughly
- a lot
- sorely
- whacking
- colossally
- majorly
- unco
- roaringly
- thumping
- downright
- blisteringly
- bone
- entirely
- corking
- deeply
- mightily
- spanking
- wholly
- archly
- ever
- profoundly
- right
- significantly
- obviously
- noticeably
- considerably
- radically
- as all get-out
- purely
- amazingly
- visibly
- notably
- fully
- substantially
- monumentally
- obscenely
- palpably
- flat-out
- markedly
- astonishingly
- extensively
- altogether
- excessively
- monstrously
- staggeringly
- discernibly
- appreciably
- plainly
- astronomically
- plentifully
- abundantly
- overmuch
- grandly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- somewhat
- little
- slightly
- just
- negligibly
- nominally
- hardly
- barely
- scarcely
- marginally
- minimally
- meagerly
- scantily
- petroliferous
- petrolific
- petrolithic
- petrolization
- petrolize
- petrolled
- petrolling
- petrologic
- petrological
- petrologically
- petrologies
- petrologist
- petrologists
- petrology
- petrols
- petromyza
- petromyzon
- Petromyzonidae
- petromyzoniformeses
- petromyzoniformesses
- petromyzons
- petromyzont
- Petromyzontes
- Petromyzontidae
- petromyzontidaes