terrible

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl How to pronounce terrible (audio)
ˈte-rə-
1
: extremely bad: such as
a
: notably unattractive or objectionable
terrible behavior
b
: of very poor quality
a terrible movie
c
: strongly repulsive : obnoxious
a terrible smell
2
a
: difficult
in a terrible bind
b
: formidable in nature : awesome
a terrible responsibility
c
: exciting extreme alarm or intense fear : terrifying
3
: extreme, great
a terrible disappointment
terribleness noun

Examples of terrible in a Sentence

Traffic was held up by a terrible accident. I have a terrible cold. The service at that restaurant is terrible.
Recent Examples on the Web The problem for the Israeli public is that no external mechanism forces Netanyahu to hold new elections, and the terrible polls for his coalition give its members every incentive to swallow their differences and keep the government afloat rather than face voters. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2024 In other words, Democrats are using fear and division to mask what has been a terrible four years under Biden. Fox News, 15 Mar. 2024 The Boyfriend follows Sydney Shaw who, like just about every eligible bachelorette in New York, has terrible dating luck. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Lack of understanding of the science and facts behind reproductive health have led to terrible consequences and the dismantling of reproductive rights. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Another terrible, no good, very bad day for Boeing. Alan Murray, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2024 Never for a second -- came to my mind that something bad or terrible could happen. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2024 Robinson’s Calvinism holds out an earnest optimism about what awaits us in the afterlife, alongside a deep pessimism about our terrible brokenness here on earth. James Wood, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Discovery needed to start the year, after months of mixed to terrible news at the box office, and in their public relations and entertainment news. Mark Hughes, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin terribilis, from terrēre to frighten — more at terror

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Time Traveler
The first known use of terrible was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near terrible

Cite this Entry

“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

terrible

adjective
ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl How to pronounce terrible (audio)
1
: causing terror or awe : fearful, dreadful
a terrible disaster
2
a
: very great in degree
made a terrible mess of things
a terrible cold
b
: very bad in quality
terrible music
terribly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on terrible

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