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.
And though the most appalling moments from such shows tend to go the most viral, the shows themselves are not uniformly reprehensible. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025 Don’t bet on it, given the appalling way Mayor Bruce Ehlers inserted himself into the controversy in August. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025 Does that sound great or appalling? Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025 Who approved this appalling hire? Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 29 Nov. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Appalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appalling. Accessed 26 Dec. 2025.

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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