# appalling

/əˈpɔɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐpˈɔːlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/appalling
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. shocking or horrifying

adjective · CEFR B2

so bad that it shocks you or makes you feel very upset.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. very poor quality

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

extremely bad or of a very low standard.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The service at the restaurant was appalling.
- The appalling conditions in the old factory led to immediate safety inspections.
- The committee expressed appalling indifference to the plight of refugees, ignoring the urgent pleas for humanitarian aid.

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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.