Definition of Awful
The word “awful” is an adjective that describes something extremely bad, unpleasant, or shocking. It can also mean inspiring awe or reverence, though this usage is now archaic.
Modern Meanings:
- Very bad or unpleasant
- Example: The food at the restaurant was awful.
- Shocking or horrifying
- Example: It was an awful accident.
- Extreme or intense (informal usage)
- Example: She’s in an awful hurry.
Synonyms for Awful
Strongest Matches (Most Similar in Meaning)
- Horrible
- Terrible
- Dreadful
- Atrocious
- Appalling
- Horrendous
- Abominable
- Ghastly
Strong Matches (Closely Related in Meaning)
- Disastrous
- Frightening
- Grim
- Nasty
- Shocking
- Monstrous
- Dire
- Vile
Weak Matches (Contextually Similar, but Not Exact)
- Unpleasant
- Bad
- Unfortunate
- Regrettable
- Poor
- Lousy
- Rough
Example Sentences with Awful
- That was an awful experience; I never want to go through that again.
- The weather was awful all weekend, with constant rain and wind.
- I feel awful about forgetting your birthday.
- His behavior at the meeting was absolutely awful.
- She made an awful mistake in trusting him.
- The movie was so awful that we left halfway through.
- There was an awful smell coming from the fridge.
- That joke was in awful taste.
- The team had an awful performance in the finals.
- The silence after his announcement was truly awful.
Contextual Usage of Awful
Negative Context (Common Use)
- Describing bad experiences: “That was an awful trip!”
- Expressing regret: “I feel awful about what happened.”
- Criticizing quality: “This coffee tastes awful.”
Intensifier (Informal Use)
- Used to emphasize something extreme: “I’m in an awful rush today.”
- Describing extreme feelings: “I have an awful lot of work to do.”
Archaic or Rare Use (Meaning ‘Awe-Inspiring’)
- “The awful majesty of the mountains left us speechless.”
- “The king ruled with an awful authority.”
Related Words and Expressions
Words with Similar Intensity
- Horrific
- Devastating
- Terrifying
- Catastrophic
- Nightmarish
Expressions and Idioms
- Awful lot (a large amount of something) – “She has an awful lot of shoes!”
- Awfully sorry (very sorry) – “I’m awfully sorry for being late.”
- Go from bad to worse (things becoming even more awful) – “After losing his job, his situation went from bad to worse.”
- Hit rock bottom (reaching an awful state) – “His financial troubles hit rock bottom last year.”
Awful vs. Awe-Inspiring
While “awful” now means something bad, it originally meant “full of awe” or “inspiring reverence.” Over time, the word evolved, and now “awesome” has taken over the positive meaning, while “awful” has retained a negative connotation.
- Old meaning: “The cathedral had an awful grandeur.” (meaning majestic, awe-inspiring)
- Modern meaning: “His breath smelled awful.” (meaning unpleasant)
Conclusion
The word awful is widely used to describe negative situations, experiences, and feelings. It can also function as an intensifier in casual speech. Though it once had a positive connotation, today, it almost always implies something undesirable or extreme. Understanding its synonyms and contextual usage can help improve vocabulary and communication skills.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only and is intended to provide general linguistic insights. Language evolves over time, and the meaning of words may shift based on context and cultural nuances. Always refer to dictionaries and linguistic sources for precise definitions.
