C1adjectivesocietymedia
US/əˈpɑː.lɪŋ/
UK/əˈpɔː.lɪŋ/
so bad or unpleasant that it shocks you
In context
The inspectors found prisoners living in appalling conditions with no clean water.
It is appalling that children still work in these mines.
The hotel's service was appalling, so we left after one night.
Words that go with appalling
adjective + noun
- appalling conditionsRefugees in the camp are living in appalling conditions.
- appalling crimeThe judge called it an appalling crime against a helpless victim.
- appalling recordThe company has an appalling record on worker safety.
adverb + adjective
- absolutely appallingThe way they treated the old man was absolutely appalling.
- truly appallingThe level of air pollution last winter was truly appalling.