Words / A2

ORFL/ˈɔːfl/

Awful means very bad or unpleasant: awful weather, an awful film, I feel awful. It is stronger than bad and close to terrible. In older English awful once meant “full of awe,” but that meaning is rare now. Do not use it for mild problems; save it for things you really dislike.

Meaning

Very bad or unpleasant.

Examples

• “The food in that café was awful.”
• “The traffic this morning was awful.”
• “I had an awful headache after the flight.”

Good to know

Stronger than bad. Close: terrible. I feel awful = unwell or very sorry.

Near in meaning

terrible

New