1
: very evil or cruel
an atrocious period in the nation's history
atrocious crimes.
2
: very bad
atrocious [=terrible, awful] handwriting
His performance was atrocious. [=horrible]
atrocious [=appalling] behavior
Isn't this weather atrocious? [=awful]
Cite this Entry
“Atrocious.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/atrocious. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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