terrible

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl 

ˈte-rə-

1

: extremely bad: such as

a

: notably unattractive or objectionable

terrible behavior

b

: of very poor quality

a terrible movie

c

: strongly repulsive : obnoxious

a terrible smell

2

a

: difficult

in a terrible bind

b

: formidable in nature : awesome

a terrible responsibility

c

: exciting extreme alarm or intense fear : terrifying

3

: extreme, great

a terrible disappointment

terribleness noun

Synonyms

• alarming
• dire
• direful
• dread
• dreadful
• fearful
• fearsome
• forbidding
• formidable
• frightening
• frightful
• ghastly
• hair-raising
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrifying
• intimidating
• redoubtable
• scary
• shocking
• spine-chilling
• terrifying

Examples of terrible in a Sentence

Traffic was held up by a terrible accident.

I have a terrible cold.

The service at that restaurant is terrible.

Recent Examples on the Web

Keoghan’s performance is a bit of a showboat stunt (he’s supposed to be a terrible father but doesn’t seem like a father at all). —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 May 2024

Twice, Queen Anne tried to come over from Denmark, and there were these terrible storms. —Max Gao, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin terribilis, from terrēre to frighten — more at terror

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Phrases Containing terrible

• enfant terrible

Kids Definition

terrible

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl 

1

: causing terror or awe : fearful, dreadful

a terrible disaster

2

a

: very great in degree

made a terrible mess

a terrible cold

b

: very bad in quality

terrible music

terribly

-blē 

adverb