ter‧ri‧ble S1 W3 / terəb ə l, terɪb ə l / 形容词

1 extremely severe in a way that causes harm or damage 同义词 horrible , awful :

Their son had been injured in a terrible accident.

We’re worried that something terrible might have happened to Greg.

a terrible storm

2 very bad 同义词 awful :

The hotel was absolutely terrible.

I’d better write this down; I have a terrible memory.

3 making you feel afraid or shocked :

There was a terrible noise and the roof caved in.

She wept when she heard the terrible news.

4 to a very great degree 同义词 grave :

You’re making a terrible mistake.

THESAURUS Meanings 1 & 2

terrible/awful ( also dreadful especially British English ) very bad : The journey was terrible – it took six hours. | The food was good but we had terrible service. | It’s such an awful programme! How can you watch it? | He looked dreadful.

horrible very bad and unpleasant – used especially when something has a strong effect on you and you feel shocked, annoyed, or sick : This soup tastes horrible. | I got a horrible shock when I saw the bill. | a horrible accident | a horrible thing to say to someone

appalling terrible – especially in a way that is shocking. Appalling is stronger and a little more formal than terrible or horrible : The refugees are living in appalling conditions. | The teacher said my handwriting was appalling.

disgusting terrible – used about a taste, smell, habit etc, often one that makes you feel sick : The smell was disgusting and I had to go out. | Do you have to bite your nails? It’s a disgusting habit.

lousy informal terrible – used especially to express annoyance : I’ve had a lousy day at the office. | This area is a lousy place to live.

hopeless very bad and difficult – used when there is no chance of success or improvement : We were trying to pay off our debts but it was a hopeless situation. | He was given the almost hopeless task of trying to negotiate a ceasefire.

diabolical British English extremely bad – used to express great disapproval of an action or event : The prices are diabolical. | a diabolical waste of money | McAndrew gave a diabolical performance on Saturday.