annus horribilis

noun

an·​nus hor·​ri·​bi·​lis ˈa-nəs-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ləs How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
plural anni horribiles ˈa-ˌnī-hȯr-ˈi-bə-ˌlēz How to pronounce annus horribilis (audio)
ˈä-
: a disastrous or unfortunate year

Examples of annus horribilis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Two-thirds now expect unemployment to rise over the next year, the highest share since the annus horribilis of 2009. Neil Irwin, Axios, 30 Mar. 2025 This was an ‘annus horribilis’ for Kering, that much is reflected in the share price. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025 Who Survived ‘Til 25? Taking the temperature: Last year was an annus horribilis for many TV producers around the world, as tariffs fell, co-production money dried up and expansive ideas were rejected at the door in favor of more conservative fare led by big names. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025 In January 2013 — the family’s annus horribilis — Vittorio Missoni died in a plane crash off the Venezuelan coast. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for annus horribilis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, horrible year

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of annus horribilis was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Annus horribilis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annus%20horribilis. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!