1
[ adjective ] grossly offensive to decency or morality; causing horror

Examples

"subjected to outrageous cruelty" "a hideous pattern of injustice" "horrific conditions in the mining industry"

Related terms

offensive

2
[ adjective ] causing fear or dread or terror

Examples

"the awful war" "an awful risk" "dire news" "a career or vengeance so direful that London was shocked" "the dread presence of the headmaster" "a dreaded disease" "a dreadful storm" "a fearful howling"

Related terms

alarming

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