1. Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible: had an awful day at the office.2. Commanding awe: “this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath” (Herman Melville). 3. Filled with awe, especially: a. Filled with or displaying great reverence. b.Obsolete Afraid. 4. Formidable in nature or extent: an awful burden; an awful risk.
ADVERB:
Informal Extremely; very: was awful sick.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English aweful, awe-inspiring, blend of awe, awe; see awe, and *ayfull, awful (from Old English egefull ( ege, dread + -full, -ful).
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