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

That came about in the family’s own dynamic in recovering from this terrible thing that had happened to them as a group. —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024

In contrast, the United States in the 1970s suffered terrible inflationary pressures, financial dislocation, and substandard economic performance even though its outstanding government debt averaged only 33% of the county’s GDP. —Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Any scenario that involves someone having to publicly stand by a terrible lie is aces in my book, so watching 45-year-old Sue squirm as others discussed the apparent assassination of one Miss Peppers was a true delight. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 24 Oct. 2024

For decades, this terrible chapter was hidden from our history books. —Willie James Inman, CBS News, 24 Oct. 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