The meaning of AWFUL is extremely disagreeable or objectionable. How to use awful in a sentence. Using Awful as an Adjective and Adverb: Usage Guide

What an awful thing to say! Would life be so awful without a car? The food was awful. She'd been ill and she looked awful.

If you say that something is awful, you mean that it is extremely unpleasant, shocking, or bad. Her injuries were massive. It was awful.

Jan 29, 2026 · Adjective awful (comparative awfuller or more awful, superlative awfullest or most awful) Very bad.

Describe something that is exceptionally bad as awful, but be careful: Saying your mom's cooking is awful may be truthful, but it's also likely to get you a frying pan upside the head.

Define awful. awful synonyms, awful pronunciation, awful translation, English dictionary definition of awful. adj. 1. Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible: had an awful day at the office.

Of a person: very unwell or troubled. Usually as the complement of feel, look, or sound, e.g. ‘I feel awful’, ‘you look awful’. He thinks he's going to die, and I'm afraid so, too, for he's obliged to keep his bed, …

Definition of awful adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

The word 'awful' originated from Middle English 'awful' meaning 'inspiring reverential wonder or fear'. Over time, its meaning shifted to convey something extremely bad or unpleasant.

AWFUL definition: extremely bad; unpleasant; ugly. See examples of awful used in a sentence.