The word appalling describes something that is shocking, horrifying, or extremely unpleasant, often causing a strong negative emotional reaction such as fear, disgust, or disbelief. It is typically used to emphasize how bad or unacceptable a situation, action, or event is. The term conveys a sense of something being so bad that it evokes a feeling of awe or horror due to its extreme nature. Appalling often implies a level of severity that is difficult to comprehend or tolerate. The word originates from the Old French appalir, meaning “to frighten” or “to horrify.”
10 Sentences Using “Appalling”:
- The appalling conditions in the refugee camp shocked the international community.
- The movie’s portrayal of violence was so appalling that many viewers left the theater.
- The appalling state of the building made it unsafe to enter.
- The appalling behavior of the employee led to his immediate dismissal.
- The appalling pollution in the city has reached dangerous levels.
- The appalling news about the natural disaster left everyone in a state of disbelief.
- Her appalling lack of preparation for the exam resulted in a failing grade.
- The appalling treatment of the animals at the facility prompted an investigation.
- It was appalling to hear that a company as reputable as that had been involved in fraud.
- The appalling sight of the destroyed town left the rescue workers speechless.
Synonyms of “Appalling”:
- Shocking
- Horrifying
- Terrible
- Dreadful
- Atrocious
- Awful
- Frightful
- Horrendous
- Disastrous
- Alarming
Antonyms of “Appalling”:
- Wonderful
- Excellent
- Delightful
- Pleasant
- Admirable
- Acceptable
- Satisfactory
- Remarkable
- Surprising (in a good way)
- Enjoyable
Related Words:
- Shock
- Disgust
- Horrible
- Terrible
- Dismaying
- Frightening
- Grotesque
- Unsettling
- Disturbing
- Devastating
Related Expressions:
- “Appalling conditions” (extremely bad or unpleasant circumstances).
- “Appalling mistake” (a serious or shocking error).
- “Appalling behavior” (conduct that is disgraceful or unacceptable).
- “Appalling sight” (something so bad or shocking that it causes distress).
- “Appalling news” (news that is shocking or deeply distressing).
- “Appalling treatment” (extremely poor or cruel treatment of someone).
- “An appalling lack of” (a shocking or unacceptable deficiency in something).
- “Appalling damage” (destruction that is extreme or horrifying).
- “Appalling failure” (a very bad or catastrophic lack of success).
- “Appalling cruelty” (extremely harsh or inhumane treatment).
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- “Put up with” (to tolerate appalling behavior or conditions).
- “Get over” (to recover from the shock of something appalling).
- “Turn around” (to improve appalling circumstances).
- “Look into” (to investigate appalling conditions or situations).
- “Bring about” (to cause appalling results or consequences).
- “Clean up” (to address appalling situations or environments).
- “Step up” (to take action in the face of appalling problems).
- “Break down” (to collapse or fail due to appalling conditions).
- “Fall apart” (to deteriorate because of appalling circumstances).
- “Call out” (to confront someone about appalling behavior).
Related Idioms:
- “Blow someone’s mind” (to shock or astonish someone in a negative way).
- “Take one’s breath away” (to be so appalling or shocking that it leaves someone speechless).
- “Fall short” (to fail to meet acceptable standards, resulting in appalling outcomes).
- “The last straw” (a situation that finally becomes appalling and unbearable).
- “At the end of one’s rope” (to be overwhelmed by appalling circumstances).
- “A rude awakening” (a shocking or appalling realization).
- “A bitter pill to swallow” (to accept something appalling or difficult).
- “Out of the frying pan and into the fire” (to move from one appalling situation to another worse one).
- “Cry over spilled milk” (to be upset over something appalling that cannot be undone).
- “Add insult to injury” (to make an appalling situation even worse).