frightful
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈfɹaɪtfəɫ// UK //fɹˈaɪtfəl// fright·ful
adj. very bad, scary, or unpleasant. You use this to describe something that makes you feel a lot of fear or worry.
adj. causing or deserving great fear, alarm, or distress. Often used to describe extreme weather, dangerous situations, or intense emotional states.
The storm was a frightful sight to see.
The accident was a frightful experience that left everyone in the car shaken for weeks.
The prospect of a global recession is a frightful thought for many families who have already struggled to make ends meet this year.
From Middle English frightful (“afraid”), from Old English forhtfull (“fainthearted, timorous”). Equivalent to fright + -ful.