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
I'mPhaedra Trethan, the terrible no-good baseball fan who was too tired to stay awake for all 18 innings of Game 3 of the World Series.
—
Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
After a statement win by the Bills, losing Oliver for the season is terrible.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
But despite government assurances, the hurricane will hit at a terrible time for the island’s population.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
The heiress was involved in a terrible car accident in 1929, which left her with life-long medical issues.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrible
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Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
After a statement win by the Bills, losing Oliver for the season is terrible.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
But despite government assurances, the hurricane will hit at a terrible time for the island’s population.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2025
The heiress was involved in a terrible car accident in 1929, which left her with life-long medical issues.
—Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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