Main Entry: atro·cious

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈtrō-shəs\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin atroc-, atrox gloomy, atrocious, from atr-, ater black + -oc-, -ox (akin to Greek ōps eye) — more at eye

Date: 1658

1 : extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel : barbaric
2 : appalling, horrifying <the atrocious weapons of modern war>
3 a : utterly revolting : abominable <atrocious working conditions> b : of very poor quality <atrocious handwriting>

— atro·cious·ly adverb

— atro·cious·ness noun