terrible Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite causing fear or dread or terror
    dreadful; direful; horrific; fearful; frightening; dread; dire; horrendous; awful; dreaded; fearsome.
    • the awful war
    • an awful risk
    • dire news
    • a career or vengeance so direful that London was shocked
    • the dread presence of the headmaster
    • polio is no longer the dreaded disease it once was
    • a dreadful storm
    • a fearful howling
    • horrendous explosions shook the city
    • a terrible curse
  2. adjective satellite exceptionally bad or displeasing
    dreadful; atrocious; unspeakable; awful; abominable; painful.
    • atrocious taste
    • abominable workmanship
    • an awful voice
    • dreadful manners
    • a painful performance
    • terrible handwriting
    • an unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room
  3. adjective satellite intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
    severe; wicked.
    • severe pain
    • a severe case of flu
    • a terrible cough
    • under wicked fire from the enemy's guns
    • a wicked cough
  4. adjective satellite extreme in degree or extent or amount or impact
    frightful; awful; tremendous.
    • in a frightful hurry
    • spent a frightful amount of money

WordNet

Ter"ri*ble adjective
Etymology
F., fr. L. terribilis, fr. terrere to frighten. See Terror.
Definitions
  1. Adapted or likely to excite terror, awe, or dread; dreadful; formidable.
    Prudent in peace, and terrible in war. Prior.
    Thou shalt not be affrighted at them; for the Lord thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible. Deut. vii. 21.
  2. Excessive; extreme; severe. Colloq.
    The terrible coldness of the season. Clarendon.
    Syn. -- Terrific; fearful; frightful; formidable; dreadful; horrible; shocking; awful. -- Ter"ri*ble*ness, n. -- Ter"ri*bly, adv.

Webster 1913