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

Examples of god-awful in a Sentence

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.
The most god-awful studios are regularly renting for thousands and thousands of dollars with lines of interested tenants out the door. Nora Deligter, Curbed, 29 May 2026 His meme humor and utter dedication to that god-awful nickname should be annoying. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“God-awful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/god-awful. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on god-awful

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster