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

And the tariffs are a terrible idea in any event, amounting to a consumer tax and interrupting crucial trade. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

These two men out and about trying to get Frasers to join the cause, however, sounds like a terrible time for all involved. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026

The man is simply too predictable and boring, which is the point — men, again, are terrible — but the same point could be made without resorting to the easiest examples. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 18 Sep. 2026

But there’s a significant difference between making a terrible mistake and deliberately killing civilians. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

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