Terrible
ˈtɛrəbəl
Definitions
2 meaningsExtremely bad or serious; causing or likely to cause terror.
ˈtɛrəbəl
Causing or likely to cause terror or fear.
The weather was terrible, and we had to cancel the picnic.
💡 Simply: Imagine something really, really awful – like a super rainy day when you have a picnic planned. That's terrible!
👶 For kids: When something is very, very bad, it's terrible!
More Examples
She had a terrible headache and couldn't concentrate.
The food at the restaurant was terrible.
How It's Used
"The storm created terrible conditions for travel."
"The terrible beast emerged from the shadows."
Very unpleasant; of poor quality or low standard.
ˈtɛrəbəl
Very unpleasant or bad.
I've had a terrible cold all week.
💡 Simply: Something that's really not good, like when your ice cream melts all over your hand on a hot day. Ugh, terrible!
👶 For kids: When something is not good and makes you feel yucky, that's terrible.
More Examples
The movie was terrible; I walked out halfway through.
The service at the restaurant was terrible.
How It's Used
"The traffic was terrible this morning."
"I had a terrible day at work."
Synonyms
Appalling
Atrocious
Awful
Bad
Dreadful
Horrible
Severe
Shocking
Inferior
Lousy
Shoddy
Idioms & expressions
terrible twos
A phase of development in children aged about two years old, characterized by tantrums and oppositional behavior.
"The parents were exhausted by their child's terrible twos."
From Old French *terrible* meaning 'causing terror,' from Latin *terribilis*, from *terrere* 'to frighten.'
Historically, 'terrible' was primarily used to describe things that caused fear and terror, often relating to natural disasters or violent events.
Memory tip
Think of a *terrible* accident – it's something you'd be scared of.