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Definitions

dreadful

[dred-fuhl] / ˈdrɛd fəl /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Academy has been jonesing so hard to hand the man an Oscar that it nominated the dreadful “Licorice Pizza” a couple of years ago.

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2026

This confusion causes two sets of dreadful consequences.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

It would be possible to convey the essence of “The Life and Death of Peter Sellers,” by Roger Lewis, in a single sentence: Peter Sellers was a dreadful human being.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

Harrow East MP Bob Blackman said he was "deeply shocked and saddened to hear the dreadful news".

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

This is an example of how entirely under the influence of Mrs. Underhill I was during that dreadful time.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock




Vocabulary lists containing dreadful