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Definition of terrible

terrible

/ˈtɛr.ə.bəl/
ter · ri · ble
Adverb:terribly
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terrible Lexical Profile

terrible Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Extremely bad, serious, or severe.

Example

"The commuters faced a terrible delay after the winter storm closed the main highway."

2

Of very poor quality or lacking skill and competence.

Example

"Although he enjoys cooking for friends, he admits that he is a terrible baker."

3

Feeling unwell, troubled, or full of guilt and remorse.

Example

"She felt terrible about forgetting her colleague's birthday and apologized the next morning."

4

Causing intense fear, terror, or awe; formidable.

Example

"Ancient mariners told legends of a terrible sea monster dwelling in the deep ocean trenches."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for terrible

• Nearby Words

terrazzo
terrestrial
terrestrially
terrible
terribleness
terribly
terrier

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French terrible, from Latin terribilis ('frightful, causing terror'), derived from the verb terrēre ('to frighten or terrify').

Cite this Entry

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