awful
adjective
1. exceptionally bad or displeasing
- an awful voice
Similar word(s): bad, abominable, atrocious, dreadful, painful, terrible, unspeakable
2. causing fear or dread or terror
- the awful war
- an awful risk
Similar word(s): alarming, dire, direful, dread, dreaded, dreadful, fearful, fearsome, frightening, horrendous, horrific, terrible
3. offensive or even (of persons) malicious
Similar word(s): dirty, filthy, lousy, grotty, hateful, mean, unpleasant, nasty
4. inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence
- awful worshippers with bowed heads
Similar word(s): reverent, awed
5. extreme in degree or extent or amount or impact
Similar word(s): extraordinary, frightful, terrible, tremendous
6. inspiring awe or admiration or wonder
- this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Similar word(s): impressive, amazing, awesome, awing
Sentences with awful as an adjective:
- an awful bonnet
- I have learnt an awful amount today.
- My socks smell awful.