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
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
Skinner had a terrible time of it for much of the season.
—
Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
What is disconcerting is when campaign donors and friends & family have commuted sentences after they have been legally convicted of terrible financial crimes.
—Sanjeev Menon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Burnett’s opinion, reported by the Tribune, was (and is) shared by many on the left, who think progressive policies and practices that have garnered Johnson terrible marks in opinion polls will be viewed differently by the public in light of the chaos in Washington, D.C.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The fighting between the Russian Federation and Ukraine drags on, taking a terrible toll on both countries.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrible
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Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
What is disconcerting is when campaign donors and friends & family have commuted sentences after they have been legally convicted of terrible financial crimes.
—Sanjeev Menon, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Burnett’s opinion, reported by the Tribune, was (and is) shared by many on the left, who think progressive policies and practices that have garnered Johnson terrible marks in opinion polls will be viewed differently by the public in light of the chaos in Washington, D.C.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The fighting between the Russian Federation and Ukraine drags on, taking a terrible toll on both countries.
—Tom Bell, Oc Register, 12 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrible
Cite this Entry
“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
terrible
adjective
ter·ri·ble
ˈter-ə-bəl
2
a
: very great in degree
made a terrible mess
a terrible cold
b
: very bad in quality
terrible music
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