god-awful

adjective

god-aw·​ful gäd-ˈȯ-fəl How to pronounce god-awful (audio)
Synonyms of god-awfulnext
: extremely unpleasant or disagreeable : abominable
god-awful weather

Word History

Etymology

goddamned + awful

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of god-awful was in 1877

Rhymes for god-awful

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Browse Nearby Words

Godavari
god-awful
godchild
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Cite this Entry

“God-awful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/god-awful. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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