appalling
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 5The 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.
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.
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.
Synonyms
Word Family
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
The weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.
everydayThe weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.
The commission reported that the conditions in the detention center were truly appalling.
formalThe commission reported that the conditions in the detention center were truly appalling.
The service at that restaurant was appalling; we waited an hour just for water.
informalThe service at that restaurant was appalling; we waited an hour just for water.
The study highlights an appalling lack of resources dedicated to mental health in urban schools.
academicThe study highlights an appalling lack of resources dedicated to mental health in urban schools.
Our sales figures for the last quarter were appalling, necessitating a complete strategy overhaul.
businessOur sales figures for the last quarter were appalling, necessitating a complete strategy overhaul.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
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
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
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