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

After a terrible tragedy that leaves and a giant misunderstanding, Ricky and Hec find themselves on the run in the wilderness when child welfare services seeks to return Ricky to state care. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024

But trust us, messing with your face is a terrible idea for a few reasons. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Sep. 2024

Based on the novel by Alafair Burke, The Better Sister meditates on the terrible things that drive sisters apart and ultimately bring them back together. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2024

Throughout, the push and pull between Ben and Louise makes Speak No Evil more than a guessing game about what terrible thing might happen. —Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Sep. 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