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
If Trump takes Powell’s scalp, most observers warn, terrible things will unfold because of the ballooning national debt.
—
Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
But when terrible news arrives about her ex, all eyes turn to Ana — whose reputation isn't exactly sterling.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 July 2025
There will be four questions related to easing the city’s terrible housing shortage, all useful and needed, and one useless question about moving our local elections from odd years, like this present year, to presidential contest years.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
The ball didn't have a terrible lie, so everything pointed to it being an easy one for the Northern Irishman.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for terrible
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Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
But when terrible news arrives about her ex, all eyes turn to Ana — whose reputation isn't exactly sterling.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 July 2025
There will be four questions related to easing the city’s terrible housing shortage, all useful and needed, and one useless question about moving our local elections from odd years, like this present year, to presidential contest years.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 July 2025
The ball didn't have a terrible lie, so everything pointed to it being an easy one for the Northern Irishman.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 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 25 Jul. 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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