# appalled

/əˈpɔɫd/ (US) · /ɐpˈɔːld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/appalled
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

feeling very shocked and angry because something is extremely bad or unfair.

For teachers: feeling great dismay, shock, or horror at something perceived as deeply offensive or morally wrong. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'look'.

## Examples

- I am appalled by the way they treat their staff.
- The public was appalled to learn that the historic library would be demolished to make room for a parking lot.
- While some critics were merely disappointed by the film's lack of depth, others were genuinely appalled by its insensitive portrayal of the recent humanitarian crisis.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I was appalling by the news" but "I was appalled by the news" — Learners often confuse the -ed adjective (describing a feeling) with the -ing adjective (describing the thing that causes the feeling).

## Usage notes

- Typically follows a linking verb and is followed by the prepositions 'by' or 'at'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.