# monstrous

/ˈmɑnstɹəs/ (US) · /mˈɒnstɹəs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/monstrous
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cruel or shocking

adjective · CEFR B2

extremely cruel, evil, or unfair in a way that shocks you.

For teachers: shockingly evil, cruel, or morally wrong. Often used to describe crimes, lies, or injustices.

- It was a monstrous lie that destroyed the man's reputation.
- The dictator was eventually held accountable for the monstrous crimes committed against his own people during the civil war.

### 2. very large

adjective · CEFR B2

unusually large, often in a way that is scary or impressive.

For teachers: extraordinarily large in size, extent, or amount; colossal.

- A monstrous wave crashed against the side of the small boat.
- The project was hampered by a monstrous amount of paperwork that delayed the construction for several months.

### 3. ugly or frightening

adjective · CEFR B2

looking like a monster; very ugly or scary to look at.

For teachers: having the appearance of a monster; hideous or grotesque in form.

- The old mask had a monstrous face with long, sharp teeth.
- In the dim light of the cave, the jagged rock formations took on monstrous shapes that unsettled the hikers.

## Examples

- The storm created monstrous waves that crashed against the shore.
- The dictator was eventually removed from power after committing monstrous crimes against his own people.
- The Victorian mansion was a monstrous architectural experiment, combining gothic spires with industrial ironwork in a way that many neighbors found deeply unsettling.

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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.