adjective
-
excruciatingly bad; outrageous
-
(intensifier)
a diabolical liberty
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of diabolical
First recorded in 1500–10; from Late Latin diabolicus ( see diabolic ( def. )) + -al 1 ( def. )
Explanation
Diabolical means "evil." This is a strong word. Too much math homework might seem unfair, but it probably isn't diabolical. Diabolical is related to the Spanish word diablo, which means "devil." In many religions and mythologies, you can't get any more evil than a devil, so diabolical is a powerful term, stronger than even despicable, which is another strong word for things that are hateful. Diabolical things are also intentional. If you got hit by lightning, that's awful and harmful, but it's not diabolical. If someone deliberately runs you over with a car, that's much more diabolical.
Vocabulary lists containing diabolical
Persepolis
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Similes from Top AP English Exam Novels
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A rapturously silly, ultra-enjoyable Italian horror movie that demands its own franchise pronto, director Paolo Strippoli’s third solo feature belongs in theaters where it can work its diabolical magic on audiences.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026
That’s when UConn coach Dan Hurley dialed up “Twelve On,” a diabolical full-court trap that would make or break his entire season.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
Why it’s vital: Never underestimate the power of seeing an intelligent, moral character triumph in the face of overwhelming challenges brought on by diabolical forces.
From Salon ● Dec. 19, 2025
"It's a diabolical situation that consumers find themselves in and especially at a really important time of year for families and for businesses," Mr Walker said.
From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2025
And yet one might assume strict, conservative, diabolical monsters with foreign accents raised me.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
