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Definition of awfulness

awfulness

/ˈɔːflnəs/
aw · ful · ness
Adverb:awfully
•
Adjective:awful
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awfulness Lexical Profile

awfulness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being extremely bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality.

Example

"Nothing could have prepared the audience for the sheer awfulness of the opening performance."

2

The quality of inspiring solemn wonder, reverential fear, or dread (now chiefly archaic or literary).

Example

"The ancient cathedral possessed a silent awfulness that humbled every visitor who stepped inside."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for awfulness

• Nearby Words

awestruck
awful
awfully
awfulness
awhile
awkward
awkwardly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from 'awful' (originally meaning 'worthy of awe or commanding dread', from Old Norse 'agi' meaning 'terror') combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness'. Over the 19th century, the word's primary sense weakened from solemn sublimity to extreme badness or unpleasantness.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Awfulness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/awfulness
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