terrible
adjective
ter·ri·ble
ˈter-ə-bəl 
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
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
America just passed the 50th anniversary of one of its truly terrible days — one that future historians can track as the beginning of the end of our democracy.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
This is a truly terrible game that would probably destroy most normal friendships, but these people are friends with Stephen.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026
Tennessee took on a terrible Syracuse team.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026
Emergency medical care in this country is terrible.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrible
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 3 Feb. 2026
This is a truly terrible game that would probably destroy most normal friendships, but these people are friends with Stephen.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026
Tennessee took on a terrible Syracuse team.
—David Eckert, Austin American Statesman, 3 Feb. 2026
Emergency medical care in this country is terrible.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrible
Cite this Entry
“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrible
adjective
ter·ri·ble
ˈter-ə-bəl
2
a
: very great in degree
made a terrible mess
a terrible cold
b
: very bad in quality
terrible music
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