B2adjectiveemotions
US/ˈdred.fəl/
UK/ˈdred.fəl/
very bad or unpleasant
In context
The traffic on the way to the airport was dreadful this morning.
I had a dreadful cold and stayed in bed all weekend.
The food at that hotel was dreadful, but the view was lovely.
Words that go with dreadful
adjective + noun
- dreadful mistakeI've made a dreadful mistake with the booking.
- dreadful weatherThe match was canceled because of the dreadful weather.
- dreadful accidentThree people were hurt in a dreadful accident on the highway.
adverb + adjective
- absolutely dreadfulThe weather was absolutely dreadful all week.
verb + adjective
- feel dreadfulI feel dreadful about forgetting your birthday.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The movie was very dreadful.Correct: The movie was absolutely dreadful.