/ ˈdredfl; NAmE / adjective ( especially BrE )
1.
very bad or unpleasant :
What dreadful weather!
What a dreadful thing to say!
It's dreadful the way they treat their staff.
How dreadful!
Jane looked dreadful (= looked ill or tired) .
➡ note at terrible
2.
[ only before noun ] used to emphasize how bad sth is
SYN terrible :
She's making a dreadful mess of things.
I'm afraid there's been a dreadful mistake.
3.
[ usually before noun ] causing fear or suffering
SYN terrible :
a dreadful accident
They suffered dreadful injuries.