ghastly

C1 · Advanced British English · Informal

adj. extremely bad or unpleasant in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.

adj. extremely objectionable or unpleasant; often used to describe social situations or weather.

“We had a ghastly time at the party because the music was too loud.”

“The weather during our holiday was absolutely ghastly, with relentless rain and freezing winds every single day.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

adj. looking very pale and ill, like a ghost.

adj. resembling a ghost in appearance; deathly pale or pallid.

“He looked ghastly after staying up all night studying for his finals.”

“A ghastly pallor overspread his features as he realised the full extent of his financial ruin.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

adv. in a way that is very shocking or pale.

adv. in a manner that is horrifying or suggestive of a ghost.

“Her face was ghastly white when she heard the scream.”

“The moon shone ghastly through the mist, illuminating the ruins in a cold, silver light.”