# atrocious

/əˈtɹoʊʃəs/ (US) · /ɐtɹˈəʊʃəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/atrocious
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

extremely bad, unpleasant, or of very poor quality. You use this to describe something that is shocking or terrible.

For teachers: exceptionally bad or of very low quality; often used to describe performance, weather, or behavior. Frequently carries a tone of strong disapproval or shock.

## Examples

- The weather today is absolutely atrocious.
- The team lost the game because their defensive play was atrocious throughout the second half.
- While the plot of the novel showed some promise, the atrocious grammar and inconsistent pacing made it nearly impossible for most readers to finish.

## Usage notes

- Often modified by intensifiers like 'absolutely' or 'utterly' rather than 'very'.

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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.