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
terribleness
noun
Synonyms
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
Losing hair can have a terrible effect on one's quality of life and sense of self.
—
Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
Even in the short run, appeasement at Munich—a term with terrible connotations today—was a failure.
—TIME, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrible 
Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
Even in the short run, appeasement at Munich—a term with terrible connotations today—was a failure.
—TIME, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for terrible
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terrible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near terrible
Cite this Entry
“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrible
adjective
ter·ri·ble
ˈter-ə-bəl
2
a
: very great in degree
made a terrible mess of things
a terrible cold
b
: very bad in quality
terrible music
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