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
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
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Nanometer-sized channels Pure water is mostly considered a terrible medium for storing power.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
June is Gun Violence Prevention Month, and in the wake of the terrible shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that left three victims dead, the topic is as relevant as ever.
—Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Brought in at three times the cost of Spence, his production and underlying numbers were comparatively terrible.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrible
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
In 2012, a powerful quake visited terrible damage on the city of Modena, Bottura’s home and host to his restaurant.
—Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Nanometer-sized channels Pure water is mostly considered a terrible medium for storing power.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026
June is Gun Violence Prevention Month, and in the wake of the terrible shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that left three victims dead, the topic is as relevant as ever.
—Catherine Blakespear, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2026
Brought in at three times the cost of Spence, his production and underlying numbers were comparatively terrible.
—Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrible
Cite this Entry
“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
