causing fear or dread or terror; 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

[ Syn: awful , dire , direful , dread , dreaded , fearful , fearsome , frightening , horrendous , horrific , terrible ]

exceptionally bad or displeasing; atrocious taste; abominable workmanship; an awful voice; dreadful manners; a painful performance; terrible handwriting; an unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room

[ Syn: atrocious , abominable , awful , painful , terrible , unspeakable ]

very unpleasant