awful
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈɔːfəl/
KK: /ˈɔfəl/
adjective
Definition
Very bad or unpleasant; something that causes strong feelings of dislike or fear.
Example
The weather was awful, making it difficult to go outside.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more awful
Superlative: most awful
Conversation
How was your weekend?
It was awful, to be honest. I got caught in the rain without an umbrella.
That sounds terrible! Did you at least do something fun afterward?
Not really, I just stayed home and tried to dry off.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
terrible
dreadful
appalling
Antonyms
wonderful
pleasant
delightful
adverb
Definition
Not good; very bad or unpleasant.
Example
The weather was awful during our vacation.
Conversation
I felt awful after that workout yesterday.
Yeah, I remember you saying you pushed yourself too hard.
I really did, it was just too intense for me.
Root Explanation
Awful is formed from "awe" (from Old English "ege", meaning fear or dread) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word originally described something that is full of awe or inspiring fear.
Memory Tip
Think of something that inspires 'fear' ('awe') and is 'full of' ('-ful') that feeling — that's why awful means something that causes fear or dread.
Visually Confused Words
lawful
yawnful
unawful
flawful
crawful
afoul