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

3

: extreme, great

a terrible disappointment

terribleness noun

Synonyms of terrible

• horrible
• terrifying
• formidable
• frightening
• scary

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

Yet the relentless Russian bombardment of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in the dead of winter, combined with the Ukrainian army’s smaller pool of fighting-aged men, is having a terrible impact on the country’s morale. —Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

If Pearl is an irresponsible mother—and that seems beyond dispute—her abdication of duty made a terrible sense to me, given her keen understanding of the obligation. —Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026

If that is true, that would be a terrible thing to do. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 10 Feb. 2026

The fancy men are very rude to Tristan, which is terrible manners and therefore very UN-fancy, but Charlotte likes him. —Alice Burton, Vulture, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin terribilis, from terrēre to frighten — more at terror

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Phrases Containing terrible

• enfant terrible

Rhymes for terrible

• arable
• bearable
• parable
• wearable
• repairable
• unbearable

Kids Definition

terrible

adjective

ter·​ri·​ble ˈter-ə-bəl 

1

: causing terror or awe : fearful, dreadful

a terrible disaster

2

a

: very great in degree

made a terrible mess

a terrible cold

b

: very bad in quality

terrible music

terribly

-blē 

adverb