# frightful

/ˈfɹaɪtfəɫ/ (US) · /fɹˈaɪtfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/frightful
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

very bad, scary, or unpleasant. You use this to describe something that makes you feel a lot of fear or worry.

For teachers: causing or deserving great fear, alarm, or distress. Often used to describe extreme weather, dangerous situations, or intense emotional states.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.