di ‧ a ‧ bol ‧ i ‧ cal /ˌdaɪəˈbɒlɪk ə l◂ $ -ˈbɑː-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: French ; Origin: diabolique , from Greek diabolos 'devil' ]
1 . ( also di‧a‧bol‧ic /ˌdaɪəˈbɒ◂lɪk $ -ˈbɑː-/) evil or cruel:
diabolical abuse
2 . British English informal extremely unpleasant or bad:
The toilets were in a diabolical state.
—diabolically /-kli/ adverb
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THESAURUS
▪ terrible/awful ( also dreadful especially British English ) very bad:
The journey was terrible – it took six hours.
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The food was good but we had terrible service.
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It’s such an awful programme! How can you watch it?
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He looked dreadful.
▪ horrible very bad and unpleasant – used especially when something has a strong effect on you and you feel shocked, annoyed, or sick:
This soup tastes horrible.
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I got a horrible shock when I saw the bill.
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a horrible accident
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a horrible thing to say to someone
▪ appalling terrible – especially in a way that is shocking. Appalling is stronger and a little more formal than terrible or horrible :
The refugees are living in appalling conditions.
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The teacher said my handwriting was appalling.
▪ disgusting terrible – used about a taste, smell, habit etc, often one that makes you feel sick:
The smell was disgusting and I had to go out.
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Do you have to bite your nails? It’s a disgusting habit.
▪ lousy informal terrible – used especially to express annoyance:
I’ve had a lousy day at the office.
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This area is a lousy place to live.
▪ hopeless very bad and difficult – used when there is no chance of success or improvement:
We were trying to pay off our debts but it was a hopeless situation.
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He was given the almost hopeless task of trying to negotiate a ceasefire.
▪ diabolical British English extremely bad – used to express great disapproval of an action or event:
The prices are diabolical.
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a diabolical waste of money
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McAndrew gave a diabolical performance on Saturday.