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

To be surprised by your new self (who is your old self, who is yourself) in terrible ways, as well as in ways that delight you. —Eliana Ramage, Time, 25 Nov. 2025

The special teams weren’t great, and the offense (which badly underused Rico Dowdle, who got only six carries and still managed 38 yards) was terrible. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025

To avoid a terrible mishap, do not run extension cords under rugs, furniture, or other appliances. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Nov. 2025

Norvell has led Florida State to a terrible 5-6 record entering Saturday's game against the Florida Gators. —Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

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