terrible

1 of 2

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

terribleness

2 of 2

noun

ter·​ri·​ble·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being terrible

Synonyms of terrible

Adjective

• horrible
• terrifying
• formidable
• frightening
• scary

Examples of terrible in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ terrible, horrible, no good, very bad reelection campaign just got worse after Wednesday night’s debate in Sherman Oaks. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Losing your husband at such an early age must have been a terrible shock. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

That despite tumult and prolonged periods of poor form – having endured a terrible start and with the end of their league campaign similarly tailing off – Villa can find a way to win. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

That is not saying that her kids are terrible, lazy, ugly, addicted to TikTok, or caught shoplifting at Brandy Melville. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

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