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awful

Pronunciation: [ɔːfəl]

Word

Learn how to use awful in a sentence: 9 audio examples across 3 meanings.

Context: “quality”

(adjective) something that is very bad or unpleasant. If you think something is awful, you really don’t like it at all.

Example

The weather today is awful, so I think we should stay inside.

Example

The movie wasn't awful; I actually enjoyed it a lot!

Example

Why does that food taste awful to you?

Context: “emotions”

(adjective) when someone feels very bad, usually due to something sad or upsetting. If you say you feel awful, it means you're not feeling good at all.

Example

I felt awful when I heard the news, but I know I can talk to friends about it.

Example

She didn't feel awful after her mistake; she learned from it.

Example

Why do you feel awful today?

Context: “intensity”

(adjective) used to describe something that is very intense, like a strong emotion or reaction. If someone says something was awful in this way, it means it was very powerful, usually in a negative sense.

Example

The storm last night was awful in terms of power, but it was very fascinating to watch.

Example

The concert wasn’t awful; it was actually quite amazing!

Example

Was the storm really as awful as they say?

How to pronounce awful

Pronunciation: [ɔːfəl]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

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