Nightmarish

/naɪtˈmɛrɪʃ/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

characteristic of a nightmare; extremely unpleasant, frightening, or distressing.

The nightmarish conditions in the disaster zone made rescue efforts incredibly challenging.

evoking a sense of horror or dread.

She described her nightmarish experience of being lost in the dark woods.

resembling a nightmare in intensity or absurdity.

The bureaucratic process was so convoluted that it felt like a nightmarish labyrinth.

marked by difficulty or suffering.

After working through a nightmarish week of long hours, he finally took a much-needed vacation.

From 'nightmare' + '-ish', where 'nightmare' comes from Old English 'mare', referring to a goblin or incubi that sits on sleeping people's chests.

nightmare scenario

A situation or event that is extremely unpleasant or frightful.

wake up from a nightmare

To stop experiencing a bad or frightening situation.

nightmare fuel

Something that inspires fear or horror, often used in reference to media.

living in a nightmare

Experiencing a situation that is exceedingly distressing.

nightmare

A frightening or unpleasant dream.

horror

An intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust.

dread

Great fear or apprehension.

A situation that is overwhelmingly difficult.

That exam was a total nightmarish experience.

Used to describe overly complex or problematic scenarios.

Planning that event was nightmarish.