Definition

Describing a sound that is loud, harsh, and unpleasant to hear.

Example

The cacophonous noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you hear that band playing outside?

Yeah, it was so cacophonous that I couldn't concentrate.

I know, right? It sounded like they were all playing different songs.

Exactly! I appreciate creativity, but that was just too much noise.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cacophonous → It is formed from "caco-" (from Greek "kakos", meaning bad or harsh) and "phone" (from Greek "phone", meaning voice or sound). The word "cacophonous" describes a sound that is harsh or unpleasant to hear.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bad' ('caco-') sounds ('phone') to remember that 'cacophonous' means having a harsh or unpleasant sound.

Visually Confused Words