Word
fearful
Phoneticsfear·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɪɹfəɫ/
UK/fˈiəfəl/
Definitions
01feeling afraid
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling afraid that something bad might happen.
adj. feeling or showing fear; apprehensive that a particular outcome may occur.
“Many people are fearful of losing their jobs during the economic crisis.”
“The residents remained fearful of further flooding, keeping their most valuable possessions on the upper floors of their homes.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of' or a 'that' clause.
Synonyms
02causing fear
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. something that is very scary or frightening.
adj. causing or capable of causing fear; inspiring awe or dread.
“The tiger let out a fearful roar that echoed through the trees.”
“The storm unleashed a fearful power, uprooting ancient oaks and tossing small boats onto the shore like toys.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03very bad
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. extremely bad or unpleasant.
adj. shockingly bad or intense; used to emphasize a negative quality.
“The accident was a fearful sight that I will never forget.”
“The refugees had endured fearful hardships during their long journey across the border.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, this sense is often replaced by 'terrible' or 'horrific' in casual speech.
Antonyms
04extremely
C2 · Proficiency Dialect
adv. used to mean 'very' or 'extremely' in some local styles of speaking.
adv. used as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'very'.
“It is fearful cold outside this morning, so wear a heavy coat.”
“He was a fearful long time in returning from the village, causing his family much worry.”
Usage
Typically used as an intensifier before an adjective.
Real-World Examples
“And voters might be fearful that if they try to vote by mail it won’t be counted.” “The party has long been fearful of public reaction to deaths of senior officials and public figures.” Etymology
From Middle English ferful, fervol, equivalent to fear + -ful.
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
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