Meaning & Definition of word "Dreadful"

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    Dreadful

    /ˈdrɛd.fəl/

    adjective:

    • 1. causing or involving great fear or anxiety; very bad or unpleasant.
      • Example: The weather was dreadful, with heavy rain and strong winds.
    • 2. very bad; awful.
      • Example: She had a dreadful experience at the restaurant due to poor service.
    • 3. extremely bad in quality.
      • Example: His dreadful performance was met with silence from the audience.
    • 4. arousing great fear or horror.
      • Example: The film was so dreadful that I couldn't sleep afterwards.

    Etymology

    Middle English: from dread + -ful.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    dreadful night:

    a night filled with fear or unpleasantness.

    dreadful mistake:

    a very serious or embarrassing error.

    dreadful weather:

    extremely bad weather conditions.

    Related Words

    dread:

    to fear greatly; to be afraid of.

    dreadfully:

    in a dreadful manner; extremely.

    dreadfulness:

    the quality of being dreadful.

    Slang Meanings of dreadful

    Meaning: really bad or disappointing

    Example Sentence: That movie was so dreadful, I can't believe I wasted two hours on it.

    Meaning: totally uncool

    Example Sentence: Those shoes are dreadful, you need to upgrade your style.