# dreaded

/ˈdɹɛdɪd/ (US) · /dɹˈɛdɪd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. causing fear or worry

adjective · CEFR B2

making you feel very worried or afraid, especially because you have to do something difficult.

For teachers: causing great fear, apprehension, or anxiety. Often used attributively before the noun it describes.

- I finally finished the dreaded tax forms after putting them off for weeks.
- The dreaded announcement of further budget cuts sent a wave of panic through the department staff.

### 2. having dreadlocks

adjective · CEFR C2 · Informal

having hair that is grown in long, thick, rope-like pieces called dreadlocks.

For teachers: describing a person wearing their hair in dreadlocks. This usage is less common than the standard 'dreadlocked'.

- The dreaded singer walked onto the stage with his guitar.
- He was easily recognizable in the crowd due to his tall stature and dreaded hair.

## Examples

- I finally finished the dreaded tax forms today.
- The students sat in silence as the teacher handed back the dreaded final exam results.
- Despite his preparation, he could not shake the feeling of unease as he approached the dreaded podium to deliver his keynote speech.

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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.