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

The romance drama, a consistent ratings monster for the streamer, will take us all back to comforting world created by author Robyn Carr, where the sun always seems to shine, love is always in the air and nothing too terrible ever happens. —Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 3 Mar. 2026

The key is the enigmatic Porcelain Khaw, who purports to communicate across the barrier for a terrible price. —Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026

One night their neighbor, the Lighthouse Keeper, is killed by lightning during a terrible storm. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 2 Mar. 2026

This was a remarkably terrible idea. —Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 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