Meaning of the word dreadful in English

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

dreadful

US /ˈdred.fəl/

UK /ˈdred.fəl/

causing or involving great suffering, fear, or unhappiness; extremely bad or serious

Example:

•

The news of the accident was dreadful.

•

They suffered dreadful losses in the war.

Synonym:

terrible horrible awful frightful appalling

used to emphasize the extent of something bad

Example:

•

The weather was dreadful, so we stayed indoors.

•

I'm a dreadful cook.

Synonym:

terrible awful bad poor lousy