Definition

Very bad or unpleasant; something that is extremely poor in quality or morally wrong.

Example

The service at the restaurant was atrocious, and we decided not to return.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you see that new movie everyone is talking about?

Yeah, I thought it was absolutely atrocious.

Really? I was hoping it would be better than that.

Trust me, it was one of the most atrocious films I've seen this year.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atrocious is formed from "atrox" (meaning cruel or savage) and the suffix "-ious" (meaning full of). The word describes something that is full of cruelty or extremely bad.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'full of cruelty' — 'atrox' means cruel, and '-ious' indicates being full of that quality.

Visually Confused Words