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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"
1. Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible: had an awful day at the office. 2. Commanding awe: "this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath" (Herman Melville). 3. Filled with awe, especially: a. Filled with or displaying great reverence. b. Obsolete Afraid. 4.
Meaning & use. adjective. I. Arousing or inspiring awe. Later also in weaker or more general use: very bad or unpleasant, and related senses. I.1.a. c1175–. That inspires or instils fear, terror, or dread; terrible, dreadful; (from the 18th century often) extremely shocking or distressing; horrific. c1175.
adjective. extremely bad; unpleasant; ugly: awful paintings; an awful job. inspiring fear; dreadful; terrible: an awful noise. solemnly impressive; inspiring awe: the awful majesty of alpine peaks. full of awe; reverential. extremely dangerous, risky, injurious, etc.: That was an awful fall she had. He took an awful chance by driving here so fast.
Definition of awful. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.
1. : extremely disagreeable or objectionable. awful food. awful behavior. an awful experience. 2. informal : exceedingly great used as an intensive. an awful lot of money. 3. : inspiring awe. … the presence of Nature in all her awful loveliness. George Eliot. 4. : filled with awe: such as. a. : deeply respectful or reverential. b.
adverb. /ˈɔːfl/ (especially North American English, informal, non-standard) very; extremely. Clint is awful smart. Word Origin. Definitions on the go. Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app. See awful in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Check pronunciation: awful.
awful. adjective. /ˈɔ fəl/ IPA. 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.
