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
terribleness
noun
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
But this new migraine was accompanied by terrible double vision.
—
David Freyne, Time, 7 Dec. 2025
After taking office last December, Blain went on a binge of abusive behavior and terrible decision-making that arguably has as its only recent parallel the actions of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner after his 2012 election.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
The rumors may be terrible and cruel, but whispers are growing that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be planning a wedding at the Ocean House resort.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 6 Dec. 2025
Throw in a scandalous tryst, a terrible fall, a bout of amnesia, a fake engagement and a wildly sexy, deeply romantic happily ever after, and this absolute banger will keep the pages turning all night long.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrible
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David Freyne, Time, 7 Dec. 2025
After taking office last December, Blain went on a binge of abusive behavior and terrible decision-making that arguably has as its only recent parallel the actions of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner after his 2012 election.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Dec. 2025
The rumors may be terrible and cruel, but whispers are growing that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be planning a wedding at the Ocean House resort.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 6 Dec. 2025
Throw in a scandalous tryst, a terrible fall, a bout of amnesia, a fake engagement and a wildly sexy, deeply romantic happily ever after, and this absolute banger will keep the pages turning all night long.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrible
Cite this Entry
“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrible
adjective
ter·ri·ble
ˈter-ə-bəl
2
a
: very great in degree
made a terrible mess
a terrible cold
b
: very bad in quality
terrible music
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