adjective

dreadful

Translation

terrible, awful, very bad

We had dreadful weather on holiday.

We had dreadful weather on vacation.

I've made a dreadful mistake.

((adjective)) + ((noun)) describing a noun dreadful weather

((be)) + ((adjective)) used as a predicate The film was dreadful.

Synonyms: awful, terrible, horrible, appalling; Antonyms: wonderful, lovely, pleasant, delightful

Formed from the noun 'dread' (great fear) + the suffix '-ful' (full of). Literally 'full of dread'.

If something is 'dreadful', it is 'full' of 'dread' (fear). It's so bad it makes you feel fear or horror.