Word
fabulous
Phoneticsfab·u·lous, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfæbjəɫəs/
UK/fˈæbjʊləs/
Definitions
01wonderful
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adj. very good, excellent, or impressive.
adj. used as an intensive to express high approval or admiration. Often used in informal speech to describe experiences or appearances.
“We had a fabulous time at the party last night.”
“The resort offered fabulous views of the coastline, making it a popular destination for photographers and tourists alike.”
02fashionable
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. looking very stylish, glamorous, or attractive.
adj. denoting a high degree of style, glamour, or aesthetic appeal. Often carries a sense of performative or high-fashion elegance.
“She looked absolutely fabulous in her new silk dress.”
“The gala was filled with fabulous guests wearing avant-garde designs that pushed the boundaries of modern fashion.”
Antonyms
03mythical
C1 · Advanced Literary
adj. relating to fables or old stories about magic and heroes.
adj. pertaining to, or of the nature of, a fable or myth. Often used to describe legendary creatures or impossible wealth.
“The book is full of fabulous creatures like dragons and unicorns.”
“The explorer spent his life searching for the fabulous city of gold mentioned in ancient Spanish chronicles.”
04incredible
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. so great or large that it is hard to believe.
adj. resembling a fable in being exaggerated or incredible; exceeding the bounds of probability.
“The company grew at a fabulous speed during its first year.”
“The monarch was known for his fabulous wealth, which was said to exceed the combined treasuries of all his neighbours.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “fabulous” in context.
Adjective
01. fabulous creatures
“The book is filled with stories of dragons, unicorns, and other fabulous creatures.”
adj + noun
02. fabulous opportunity
“Studying abroad is a fabulous opportunity to learn about a new culture.”
adj + noun
03. fabulous prizes
“The winners of the competition will receive fabulous prizes, including a trip to Hawaii.”
adj + noun
04. fabulous wealth
“The royal family is known for their fabulous wealth and extensive art collection.”
adj + noun
Adverb
05. absolutely fabulous
“The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely fabulous.”
adv + adj
06. look fabulous
“You look fabulous in that new dress you bought for the wedding.”
verb + adj
Real-World Examples
“Then they go dark and we’re left with only bodies, a new world – black catsuits swapped for fabulous, shining gold.” “We all want her to have a fabulous third act to her career.” Etymology
From Late Middle English fabulous, fabulose, from Latin fābulōsus (“celebrated in fable”); Equivalent to fable + -ous.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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