# nightmarish

/ˈnaɪtˌmɛɹɪʃ/ (US) · /nˈaɪtmeəɹɪʃ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nightmarish
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

extremely unpleasant, scary, or difficult to deal with. You use this to describe a situation that feels like a bad dream.

For teachers: extremely unpleasant, terrifying, or difficult to endure. Often used to describe real-world situations that evoke the sense of dread or horror associated with nightmares.

## Examples

- The long flight was a nightmarish experience.
- The family described the nightmarish journey through the flooded streets as the worst day of their lives.
- The documentary provides a nightmarish look at the conditions inside the overcrowded refugee camps, highlighting the systemic failures of the international aid response.

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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.