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
Travelers like to blame their airline, car rental company or hotel for their terrible trip, but there seems to be a growing consensus that many of the troubles are self-inflicted.
—
Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Texas State baseball's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad weekend mercifully ended Sunday when Marcus Aranda hit a two-run home run to left field, lifting Louisiana-Monroe to a 16-5, seven inning, run-rule win.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026
If nothing else, playing off winners gives orchestras, conceptually speaking, terrible reputations.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Blowing snow and terrible travel conditions were a concern for the entire Chicago area throughout the morning rush.
—Albert Ramon, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrible
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Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Texas State baseball's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad weekend mercifully ended Sunday when Marcus Aranda hit a two-run home run to left field, lifting Louisiana-Monroe to a 16-5, seven inning, run-rule win.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 16 Mar. 2026
If nothing else, playing off winners gives orchestras, conceptually speaking, terrible reputations.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026
Blowing snow and terrible travel conditions were a concern for the entire Chicago area throughout the morning rush.
—Albert Ramon, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for terrible
Cite this Entry
“Terrible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terrible. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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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