C2 verb Neutral

appalling

/əˈpɔː.lɪŋ/

Causing shock, dismay, or horror due to being extremely bad or of poor quality. It is frequently used to emphasize the severity of a negative situation or behavior.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.

The weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.

2

The commission reported that the conditions in the detention center were truly appalling.

The commission reported that the conditions in the detention center were truly appalling.

3

The service at that restaurant was appalling; we waited an hour just for water.

The service at that restaurant was appalling; we waited an hour just for water.

Word Family

Noun
appallment
Verb
appall
Adverb
appallingly
Adjective
appalling
Related
pallor
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'pale.' When something is 'appalling,' it makes you turn 'pale' with shock or horror.

Quick Quiz

The public was shocked by the ___ lack of safety measures at the construction site.

Correct!

The correct answer is: appalling

Examples

1

The weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.

everyday

The weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.

2

The commission reported that the conditions in the detention center were truly appalling.

formal

The commission reported that the conditions in the detention center were truly appalling.

3

The service at that restaurant was appalling; we waited an hour just for water.

informal

The service at that restaurant was appalling; we waited an hour just for water.

4

The study highlights an appalling lack of resources dedicated to mental health in urban schools.

academic

The study highlights an appalling lack of resources dedicated to mental health in urban schools.

5

Our sales figures for the last quarter were appalling, necessitating a complete strategy overhaul.

business

Our sales figures for the last quarter were appalling, necessitating a complete strategy overhaul.

Word Family

Noun
appallment
Verb
appall
Adverb
appallingly
Adjective
appalling
Related
pallor

Common Collocations

appalling conditions extremely bad living or working situations
appalling behavior shockingly bad conduct
appalling lack of a shocking deficiency in something
appalling weather very unpleasant or severe weather
appalling waste a shocking loss of resources or time

Common Phrases

in appalling taste

extremely offensive or inappropriate

an appalling state of affairs

a very bad or shocking situation

find something appalling

to be shocked or disgusted by something

Often Confused With

appalling vs appealing

Appealing means attractive or interesting, whereas appalling means shocking or awful.

📝

Usage Notes

Appalling is a very strong adjective; using it for minor inconveniences can sound hyperbolic. It is often used to describe moral failures, social conditions, or extreme incompetence.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse it with 'appealing' because of the similar spelling, which leads to the opposite meaning being conveyed.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'pale.' When something is 'appalling,' it makes you turn 'pale' with shock or horror.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'apallir', meaning to grow pale or make pale.

Grammar Patterns

commonly used as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'appalling conditions') used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs (e.g., 'the news was appalling') can be modified by adverbs of degree like 'absolutely' or 'truly'
🌍

Cultural Context

In British English, 'appalling' is frequently used as a high-intensity descriptor for poor quality or bad weather, often slightly more common than in American English.

Quick Quiz

The public was shocked by the ___ lack of safety measures at the construction site.

Correct!

The correct answer is: appalling

Related Words

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brawn

B2

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bray

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brazenly

B2

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brazenness

B2

The quality of being bold and without shame, often in a way that is considered disrespectful, shocking, or socially unacceptable. It describes a person's behavior when they act improperly or commit a mistake but refuse to show any embarrassment or regret.

brazil

B2

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bread

B2

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breadboard

B2

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breadcrumb

B2

In a digital or metaphorical context, this describes a type of secondary navigation or a series of clues that allow a person to track their path or progress. It is most commonly used to describe interface elements that show a user's location within a website hierarchy.

breadfruit

B2

Relating to or consisting of the starchy, tropical fruit of the Artocarpus altilis tree, which has a texture similar to bread when cooked. It describes items, flavors, or products derived from this specific fruit or the tree it grows on.

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