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- DictionaryAw·ful/ˈôf(ə)l/
adjective
- 1. very bad or unpleasant: "the place smelled awful"
- 2. used to emphasize the extent of something, especially something unpleasant or negative: "I've made an awful fool of myself"
adverb
- 1. awfully; very: informal North American "we're an awful long way from the main road"
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English aw‧ful1 /ˈɔːfəl $ ˈɒː-/ S1 adjective 1 very bad or unpleasant SYN terrible The weather was awful. He is a pretty awful driver. That fridge smells awful. The last six months have been awful for her. I’ve stopped believing most of what he says. Isn’t that awful?
1. very bad; unpleasant. 2. archaic inspiring reverence or dread. 3. archaic overcome with awe; reverential. adv. not standard (intensifier): an awful cold day. [C13: see awe, -ful] ˈawfulness n.
Meaning & use. Arousing or inspiring awe. Later also in weaker or more general use: very bad or unpleasant, and related senses. I.1.a. That inspires or instils fear, terror, or dread; terrible, dreadful; (from the 18th century often) extremely shocking or distressing; horrific.
Dictionary definition of awful. Extremely unpleasant, terrible, or causing a feeling of great discomfort, distress, or dismay. "The awful news of the accident left everyone in shock and sadness." Detailed meaning of awful.
Definition of awful. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.
Definition of awful adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Definition of awful in Essential British English Dictionary. awful. adjective. uk / ˈɔːfəl/ Add to word list. B1. very bad: an awful place. The play was absolutely awful. an awful lot (of something) a very large amount: It costs an awful lot of money. (Definition of awful from the Cambridge Essential Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
