appalling

adjective

ap·​pall·​ing ə-ˈpȯ-liŋ How to pronounce appalling (audio)
: inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust
living under appalling conditions
appalling savagery
appallingly adverb

Examples of appalling in a Sentence

We drove by an appalling accident on the highway. opening your mouth to show me your half-chewed food is absolutely appalling
Recent Examples on the Web Last week, the Wall Street Journal published a sensational investigation into the appalling saga of a federal bankruptcy judge and his personal relationship with lawyer Elizabeth Freeman, who had been his law partner and clerk in Houston. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2024 When one member is assaulted, the entire club takes revenge against both property (which Nichols displays with startling explicitness) and individuals (with deeds so appalling in their cruel design that the filmmaker gives them nothing but a one-line mention). Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 18 June 2024 The level of vitriol and hatred directed at trans folks is appalling and terrifying. Ethan Rutherford, TIME, 14 June 2024 This is unambiguously appalling and is very appropriate territory for working through with a good therapist. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for appalling 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'appalling.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of appall

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appalling was in 1635

Dictionary Entries Near appalling

Cite this Entry

“Appalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appalling. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

appalling

adjective
ap·​pall·​ing
ə-ˈpȯl-iŋ
: inspiring horror or dismay : shocking
appallingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on appalling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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