terrible Definition
- 1extremely bad or unpleasant
- 2causing great fear or terror
Using terrible: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "terrible" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The weather was terrible, with heavy rain and strong winds.
Example
The food was terrible, I couldn't eat it.
Example
The accident was terrible, several people were injured.
Example
The movie was terrible, I fell asleep halfway through.
terrible Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with terrible
terrible twos
a phase in a child's development, typically around the age of two, characterized by difficult behavior and tantrums
Example
My daughter is going through the terrible twos, she throws a tantrum every time I say no.
Example
The view from the top of the mountain was a terrible beauty, with the steep drop-offs and stunning vistas.
a phrase used to describe a powerful and destructive force, often used in reference to war or conflict
Example
The army marched forward with their terrible swift sword, leaving destruction in their wake.
Origins of terrible
from Latin 'terribilis', meaning 'causing terror'
Summary: terrible in Brief
The word 'terrible' [ˈtɛrəbl] describes something that is extremely bad or unpleasant, or that causes great fear or terror. It can be used to describe anything from the weather to a movie, as in 'The weather was terrible' or 'The movie was terrible.' The term also includes phrases like 'terrible twos,' referring to a difficult phase in a child's development, and 'terrible beauty,' describing something that is both terrifying and beautiful.