Frightful

usgb/ˈfraɪtfl/
adjective

Very bad, terrible or alarming.

He had a frightful car accident.
Visual representation of "frightful" - Very bad, terrible or alarming

Often appears as...

  • frightful accident
  • frightful noise
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "frightful"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Severity Scale

Use 'frightful' to describe something much worse than unpleasant or bad.

Illustration for Severity Scale
She lived through a frightful ordeal during the storm.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not For People

Avoid using 'frightful' for people unless you mean to be very rude or humorous.

Illustration for Not For People
He told a frightful joke that offended everyone.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Amplify Discomfort

'Frightful' suggests a strong discomfort or dreadful feeling about a situation.

Illustration for Amplify Discomfort
The room was in a frightful state after the party.
Visual representation of the word "Frightful"

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