ter ‧ ri ‧ ble S1 W3 /ˈterəb ə l, ˈterɪb ə l/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: Latin terribilis , from terrere 'to frighten' ]
1 . extremely severe in a way that causes harm or damage SYN horrible , awful :
Their son had been injured in a terrible accident.
We’re worried that something terrible might have happened to Greg.
a terrible storm
2 . very bad SYN awful :
The hotel was absolutely terrible.
I’d better write this down; I have a terrible memory.
3 . making you feel afraid or shocked:
There was a terrible noise and the roof caved in.
She wept when she heard the terrible news.
4 . to a very great degree SYN grave :
You’re making a terrible mistake.
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THESAURUS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
▪ 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.