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

Derived Forms

• apˈpallingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·palling·ly adverb
• unap·palling adjective
• unap·palling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of appalling¹

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

Example Sentences

In many ways, his and Gabbard’s selections are more appalling than even that of Hegseth.

From Slate

As for the judicial branch, we don't know for sure what the Supreme Court would do with cases aimed at stopping Trump's appalling agenda from coming to fruition.

From Salon

The Makin review reports that despite his "appalling" actions having been identified in the 1980s, he was never fully exposed and was therefore able to continue his abuse.

From BBC

His early broadcasting attempts were "fairly appalling", he told the BBC's Media Show's Ros Atkins in 2021.

From BBC

She added that Ms Lo had been brave in confronting the "appalling racism" she faced during her political career.

From BBC

Related Words

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