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Definition of ghastliness

ghastliness

/ˈɡæst.li.nəs/
ghast · li · ness
Plural:ghastlinesses
•
Adjective:ghastly
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ghastliness Lexical Profile

ghastliness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being horrifying, macabre, or shockingly unpleasant.

Example

"The sheer ghastliness of the abandoned, dilapidated mansion made the visitors hesitate at the front gate."

2

A ghostly, deathlike paleness or wan appearance caused by illness, exhaustion, or terror.

Example

"After three days of high fever, a startling ghastliness settled over the patient's sunken features."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for ghastliness

• Nearby Words

ghana
ghanaian
gharial
ghastliness
ghastly
ghats
ghee

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Middle English gastly ('terrifying'), from the root of Old English gæstan ('to torment or frighten'), with the modern 'gh-' spelling influenced by 'ghost', plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

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