What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
horrible
Example
The smell in the room was horrible. [horrible: adjective]
Example
It was a horrible experience being stuck in traffic for hours. [horrible: adjective]
terrible
Example
The food at the restaurant was terrible. [terrible: adjective]
Example
The news of the earthquake was terrible. [terrible: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Terrible is more commonly used than horrible in formal writing and speech, while horrible is more commonly used in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between horrible and terrible?
Terrible is generally considered more formal than horrible, and is often used in academic or professional contexts.
