Dictionary

1dreadful

adjective dread·ful \ˈdred-fəl\

: very bad or unpleasant

Full Definition of DREADFUL

1
a :  inspiring dread :  causing great and oppressive fear
b :  inspiring awe or reverence
2
:  extremely bad, distasteful, unpleasant, or shocking
3
:  extreme <dreadful disorder>
dread·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
dread·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
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First Known Use of DREADFUL

13th century

2dreadful

noun

Definition of DREADFUL

:  a cheap and sensational story or periodical

First Known Use of DREADFUL

circa 1873

Other Publishing Terms

annotate, emend, expurgate, factoid, jump, lobster shift, redaction, referee
DREADFUL[1] Defined for Kids

dreadful

adjective dread·ful \ˈdred-fəl\

Definition of DREADFUL for Kids

1
:  causing fear <a dreadful storm>
2
:  very unpleasant <a dreadful cold>

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