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

Many wonderful and terrible things have happened in the 25 years since, some related to the 9/11 attacks, many not at all. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Moreover, though most of the adults showcased here are terrible parents who parentify their kids and focus on their own interests, Ella and Teagan’s mother-daughter bond is lovely. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

In this case, the police were the last resort in a terrible situation. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026

By sometime around 1985, Rita leads what looks to most onlookers, including the very worried daughters who’ve come to find her, like a terrible life — estranged from her friends and family, firmly under Ricki’s thumb in some remote rural commune. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 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