What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lousy
Example
The service at the restaurant was lousy. [lousy: adjective]
Example
I feel lousy today, I think I'm coming down with a cold. [lousy: adjective]
Example
He had a lousy attitude towards his coworkers. [lousy: adjective]
awful
Example
The weather today is awful, it's raining heavily. [awful: adjective]
Example
I have an awful headache, I need to lie down. [awful: adjective]
Example
She had an awful temper and would get angry easily. [awful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awful is more commonly used than lousy in everyday language, and it can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Lousy is less common and is typically used in informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lousy and awful?
Awful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while lousy is more informal and is typically used in casual conversations or writing.
