appalling

[uh-paw-ling]

adjective

1. causing dismay or horror.

   an appalling accident; an appalling lack of manners.

appalling

/ əˈpɔːlɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing extreme dismay, horror, or revulsion

2. very bad

Other Word Forms

• appallingly adverb
• unappalling adjective
• unappallingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of appalling¹

First recorded in 1810–20; appall + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson said the incident was "appalling" and that an attack on Muslims was an attack on all Britons.

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Kevin Toomey, for Williams, said his conduct was "appalling and disgraceful" but he was motivated by a mantra of "protect our kids".

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The underground teams worked in relays to guide the exhausted cavers back, while surface crews endured "appalling" weather to maintain communication and manage logistics.

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“It is appalling that dishonest lawyers and individuals would exploit reforms that were meant to deliver justice to survivors of abuse.”

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"Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this appalling incident and we greatly appreciate the swift actions of the emergency services," the statement added.

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Related Words

• alarming 
• astounding 
• awful 
• dire 
• disheartening 
• dreadful 
• frightening www.thesaurus.com
• frightful 
• ghastly 
• harrowing 
• hideous 
• horrible 
• horrific 
• shocking 
• terrible 
• terrifying