Words / C2

EKS-ikr-uh-bl/ˈeksɪkrəbl/

Execrable means extremely bad or unpleasant (formal): execrable prose, an execrable error. Bad (already in the dictionary) is everyday not good; terrible (already in the dictionary) is very bad, and egregious (already in the dictionary) is shockingly bad in an obvious way — the close twin of a named fault. This batch: pulchritude is beauty — the opposite flavour. An ugly abstract still has to show the cell.

Meaning

Extremely bad or unpleasant (formal).

Examples

• “An execrable abstract still has to show the n.”
• “Bad is not good (already in A1). Terrible is very bad (already in A2). Egregious is shockingly bad (already in C2). Pulchritude is beauty (this batch) — the contrast. A short true sentence can still be plain. Abuse of adjectives that never states the n is branding. Write the number; then the verdict.”

Good to know

Extremely bad (formal). Everyday: bad / terrible (already in this dictionary). Close: egregious (already in C2). This batch: pulchritude (the contrast). Abuse ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

abominable, atrocious, dreadful, egregious

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