Meaning of the word awful in English

What does awful mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

awful

US /ˈɑː.fəl/

UK /ˈɑː.fəl/

extremely bad or unpleasant

Example:

•

The weather was awful yesterday.

•

I had an awful headache.

Synonym:

terrible dreadful horrible appalling ghastly

inspiring reverential wonder or fear

Example:

•

The awful power of the storm was evident.

•

He felt an awful sense of responsibility.

Synonym:

awe-inspiring formidable tremendous solemn

very or extremely (used for emphasis)

Example:

•

I'm awful sorry to hear that.

•

She sings awful well.

Synonym:

very extremely terribly dreadfully

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Related Word:

awe awe-inspiring