Word
appalling
Phoneticsap·palling
US/əˈpɔɫɪŋ/
UK/ɐpˈɔːlɪŋ/
Definitions
01shocking or horrifying
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. so bad that it shocks you or makes you feel very upset.
adj. causing dismay or horror; morally or socially shocking.
“The conditions in the refugee camp were appalling and needed urgent attention.”
“The report revealed an appalling lack of safety standards that led directly to the industrial accident.”
02very poor quality
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. extremely bad or of a very low standard.
adj. exceptionally poor in quality or performance; used as a strong intensifier for 'bad'.
“The weather during our holiday was appalling, so we stayed inside.”
“The team's performance in the second half was appalling, characterized by unforced errors and a complete lack of coordination.”
Real-World Examples
“The Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “London bus drivers do a vital job, but are putting themselves at risk due to these appalling conditions.” “They kicked her and said "appalling" things to attempt to get a reaction, she said, while one headline trumpeted a picture of her apparent cellulite.” Etymology
By surface analysis, appall + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/appalling