annus horribilis

noun

an·​nus hor·​ri·​bi·​lis ˈa-nəs-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ləs How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
plural anni horribiles ˈa-ˌnī-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ˌlēz How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
: a disastrous or unfortunate year

Examples of annus horribilis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Who Survived ‘Til 25? Taking the temperature: Last year was an annus horribilis for many TV producers around the world, as tariffs fell, co-production money dried up and expansive ideas were rejected at the door in favor of more conservative fare led by big names. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025 In January 2013 — the family’s annus horribilis — Vittorio Missoni died in a plane crash off the Venezuelan coast. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Jan. 2025 The year 2024 has proved something of an annus horribilis for the Windsors, with both King Charles III and the Princess of Wales battling serious health problems—but the general mood among the royal family appears to be one of optimism when looking ahead to 2025. Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024 But what about Hollywood’s worst year — its annus horribilis maximus? Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for annus horribilis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, horrible year

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of annus horribilis was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near annus horribilis

Cite this Entry

“Annus horribilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annus%20horribilis. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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