Meaning & Definition of Dreadful in English

1. Causing fear or dread or terror

• "The awful war"

• "An awful risk"

• "Dire news"

• "A career or vengeance so direful that london was shocked"

• "The dread presence of the headmaster"

• "Polio is no longer the dreaded disease it once was"

• "A dreadful storm"

• "A fearful howling"

• "Horrendous explosions shook the city"

• "A terrible curse"

2. Exceptionally bad or displeasing

• "Atrocious taste"

• "Abominable workmanship"

• "An awful voice"

• "Dreadful manners"

• "A painful performance"

• "Terrible handwriting"

• "An unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room"

3. Very unpleasant