appalling

adjective

ap·​pall·​ing ə-ˈpȯ-liŋ How to pronounce appalling (audio)
Synonyms of appallingnext
: inspiring horror, dismay, or disgust
living under appalling conditions
appalling savagery
appallingly adverb

Examples of appalling in a Sentence

We drove by an appalling accident on the highway. opening your mouth to show me your half-chewed food is absolutely appalling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not shocking or appalling, or overly complicated or computer-generated into oblivion. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026 Those demonstrations against economic hardship and the regime's appalling financial record snowballed quickly into the nationwide protests against the Islamic Republic's leadership itself. Elizabeth Palmer, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 Outrage quickly spread against the appalling practice among the public and regulators, and some countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia, moved to ban access to X outright. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 14 Jan. 2026 The king of the tribe, barely glimpsed under a hooded headdress, observes the appalling spectacle from a dais, as the ladies of his court—identically dressed in white skirts and ceremonial belts—are gathered at his side. James Meyer, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for appalling

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of appall

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of appalling was in 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appalling. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

appalling

adjective
ap·​pall·​ing
ə-ˈpȯl-iŋ
: inspiring horror or dismay : shocking
appallingly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on appalling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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