appalling
The word appalling describes something so bad or shocking that it makes you feel upset.
Explanation at your level:
Appalling is a big word for something that is very, very bad. If you see a room that is very messy, you can say it is appalling. It means you are surprised by how bad it is. Use it when you are sad or unhappy about something.
You use appalling to talk about things that are not good at all. For example, if the weather is terrible, you can say, 'The weather is appalling.' It is a strong word that shows you really do not like what is happening.
At this level, you can use appalling to describe situations that are unacceptable. It is common to say 'appalling behavior' when someone is rude. It is a great way to add more emotion to your sentences than just saying 'bad' or 'terrible.'
Appalling is often used to express strong disapproval or shock. It is frequently used in formal contexts, like news reports about 'appalling living conditions.' Using this word shows you have a higher command of English because it captures a specific nuance of moral or quality-based outrage.
In advanced English, appalling is used to denote a degree of severity that borders on the unacceptable. It is a powerful rhetorical device. When you describe a policy or a situation as 'appalling,' you are not just stating an opinion; you are making a strong judgment. It is often paired with adverbs like 'utterly' or 'truly' to maximize the impact of the critique.
At the mastery level, appalling serves as a sophisticated instrument for critical analysis. It implies a breach of standard, ethics, or expectation. Historically rooted in the concept of 'turning pale,' its modern usage allows for a nuanced expression of dismay that transcends mere dislike. It is frequently found in literary critiques, political discourse, and high-level academic arguments where the speaker wishes to convey profound societal or individual failure.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- Appalling means extremely bad or shocking.
- It comes from the French word for 'turning pale'.
- Use it to express strong disapproval.
- It is a powerful adjective for formal writing.
When you hear the word appalling, think of something that makes your jaw drop because it is just so bad. It is a strong word, much more intense than just saying something is 'not good' or 'unpleasant.'
You use this word when you want to emphasize that a situation is shocking, dismaying, or even horrifying. Whether it is the state of a messy room, a lack of manners, or a serious injustice, calling it 'appalling' tells people exactly how upset you are.
Think of it as a way to express a high level of disapproval. It is a powerful tool for your vocabulary when you need to highlight how far below expectations something has fallen.
The history of appalling is quite dramatic! It comes from the Old French word appalir, which literally means 'to grow pale.'
Back in the day, if something was truly 'appalling,' it was so scary or shocking that it would literally make you turn pale with fear or dismay. Over time, the meaning shifted from just physical fear to a more general sense of being morally shocked or disgusted by something poor in quality.
It is related to the word 'pale,' which is a fun connection to remember. So, when you use this word today, you are carrying on a tradition of describing things so bad they might just make someone lose their color!
You will often see appalling used with nouns that describe quality or behavior. Common phrases include 'appalling conditions,' 'appalling behavior,' or 'appalling lack of respect.'
It is a fairly formal word, so you might hear it in news reports, academic writing, or serious discussions. While you can use it in casual conversation, be careful—it is quite strong! If you say someone's cooking is 'appalling,' you are being very harsh.
It is best used when you want to make a firm point about something that is objectively unacceptable. It works well in both written and spoken English, provided the situation is serious enough to warrant such a strong descriptor.
While 'appalling' itself isn't a core part of many idioms, it is often used alongside them to add intensity.
- To be in an appalling state: To be in a condition that is falling apart.
- Appalling lack of: Used to highlight a severe shortage of something important.
- With appalling speed: Used to describe something happening dangerously fast.
- An appalling sight: Something that is visually disturbing or gross.
- Appalling record: A history of repeated bad performance or behavior.
The word appalling is an adjective. In British English, it is pronounced /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/, and in American English, it is /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/. The stress is on the second syllable: a-PALL-ing.
It is a gradable adjective, meaning you can use intensifiers like 'absolutely appalling' or 'quite appalling.' It rhymes with words like 'falling,' 'calling,' and 'stalling.'
Remember that it is used to describe the noun it modifies, such as 'an appalling mistake.' It is not typically used as a verb, although it comes from the verb 'appall,' which means to fill with dismay.
Fun Fact
It originally meant you were so scared you lost your color.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'a-pall-ing'.
Similar to UK, clear 'a' sound.
Common Errors
- Missing the double 'p' sound
- Misplacing stress
- Confusing with 'appealing'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in news.
Good for strong essays.
Easy to pronounce.
Clear stress.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Adjective order
An appalling, messy room.
Intensifiers
Absolutely appalling.
The 'that' clause
It is appalling that...
Examples by Level
The room is appalling.
The room is very bad.
Adjective usage.
This food is appalling.
This food is terrible.
Subject + verb + adjective.
The weather is appalling.
The weather is very bad.
Describing nature.
His manners are appalling.
He is very rude.
Possessive adjective.
The service was appalling.
The service was not good.
Past tense verb.
This is an appalling day.
A very bad day.
Indefinite article.
The noise is appalling.
The noise is too loud.
Noun + verb.
The mess is appalling.
The mess is shocking.
Noun + verb.
The traffic today was appalling.
She had an appalling experience at the hotel.
It is appalling that they treat people like that.
The school's results were appalling this year.
He showed an appalling lack of judgment.
The conditions in the camp were appalling.
I find his attitude to be quite appalling.
The film received appalling reviews.
The lack of safety measures is truly appalling.
We were shocked by the appalling state of the building.
The company's environmental record is appalling.
It is appalling to see so much food wasted.
She gave an appalling performance on stage.
The poverty in the city is simply appalling.
He made an appalling mistake during the game.
The level of service was frankly appalling.
The government's response to the crisis was widely considered appalling.
There has been an appalling increase in the number of accidents.
The report detailed the appalling treatment of the prisoners.
It is appalling that such discrimination still exists.
The sheer scale of the corruption is appalling.
Her appalling lack of preparation ruined the presentation.
The humanitarian situation remains absolutely appalling.
We were met with an appalling display of arrogance.
The systemic failure of the infrastructure is nothing short of appalling.
The appalling disregard for human life was evident in the report.
Such an appalling lack of transparency undermines public trust.
The appalling nature of the crime shocked the entire nation.
It is appalling to witness the erosion of these democratic values.
The historical record of the regime is truly appalling.
The appalling disparity between the rich and poor is growing.
His appalling indifference to the suffering of others was noted.
The appalling vacuity of the argument left the committee speechless.
The appalling brutality of the conflict has left the region devastated.
One cannot ignore the appalling consequences of such reckless policy.
The appalling aesthetic of the building clashed with the historical site.
The appalling incompetence displayed by the board was unforgivable.
The appalling irony of the situation was not lost on the observers.
The appalling depth of his ignorance was finally revealed.
The appalling silence of the authorities speaks volumes.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"in an appalling state"
in very bad condition
The old car was in an appalling state.
neutral"to be appalled by"
to be shocked by
I was appalled by his rudeness.
neutral"an appalling prospect"
a future event that is scary or bad
The idea of moving is an appalling prospect.
formal"appalling to behold"
shocking to look at
The ruins were appalling to behold.
literary"appalling standards"
very low expectations or quality
The company has appalling standards.
formal"appalling waste"
a huge amount of something lost
It was an appalling waste of time.
neutralEasily Confused
Similar sound
Appealing means attractive; appalling means bad.
The food was appealing, not appalling.
Same root
Appalled is the feeling; appalling is the thing causing it.
I was appalled by the appalling mess.
Similar to 'awful'
Appalling is stronger.
It was more than awful; it was appalling.
Similar to 'appalling'
None, just ensure spelling.
Always double the p.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + appalling
The situation is appalling.
It is appalling that + [clause]
It is appalling that he lied.
An appalling + [noun]
An appalling mistake was made.
To find [something] appalling
I find his behavior appalling.
With appalling + [noun]
With appalling speed, it failed.
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
Appalling is very strong; don't overuse it.
They sound similar but mean opposites.
Appalling is an adjective.
Strong adjectives take specific intensifiers.
Spelling error.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a pale ghost when you say the word.
Native Usage
Used in complaints.
Cultural Insight
Common in British English news.
Grammar Shortcut
Always an adjective.
Say It Right
Stress the second syllable.
Don't Mix Up
Don't confuse with 'appealing'.
Did You Know?
It means 'turn pale'.
Study Smart
Pair it with 'conditions'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A-PALL-ing: A 'pall' (covering) of death makes you turn pale.
Visual Association
A person looking at a messy room and turning pale.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Write three sentences using 'appalling' today.
أصل الكلمة
Old French / Latin
Original meaning: To grow pale
السياق الثقافي
None, but can be seen as aggressive if used in personal arguments.
Used frequently in journalism and formal complaints.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- appalling standards
- appalling performance
- appalling lack of communication
In news
- appalling conditions
- appalling violence
- appalling tragedy
In school
- appalling grades
- appalling behavior
- appalling attendance
Travel
- appalling service
- appalling hotel
- appalling weather
Conversation Starters
"What is the most appalling thing you have ever seen?"
"Do you think people use the word appalling too much?"
"Can you describe an appalling movie you watched recently?"
"Why do you think some people have appalling manners?"
"Is it ever okay to be appalling?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you witnessed something appalling.
How would you react if you were served appalling food at a restaurant?
Why is it important to speak up against appalling behavior?
Describe a situation that was once appalling but has since improved.
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلةNo, it is an adjective.
Yes, to describe their behavior.
Yes, much stronger.
uh-PAUL-ing.
It is used in both formal and neutral settings.
It's better to use 'absolutely' or 'truly'.
It can imply a sense of shock or horror.
The verb is 'appall'.
اختبر نفسك
The weather today is ___.
Appalling describes bad weather.
Which means the same as appalling?
Appalling means extremely bad.
Appalling is a positive word.
It is strongly negative.
Word
المعنى
Definition match.
Subject + verb + adjective.
النتيجة: /5
Summary
Appalling is a strong, powerful adjective used to describe things that are so bad they cause shock or dismay.
- Appalling means extremely bad or shocking.
- It comes from the French word for 'turning pale'.
- Use it to express strong disapproval.
- It is a powerful adjective for formal writing.
Memory Palace
Imagine a pale ghost when you say the word.
Native Usage
Used in complaints.
Cultural Insight
Common in British English news.
Grammar Shortcut
Always an adjective.
مثال
The weather during our vacation was absolutely appalling, with non-stop rain and wind.
Related Content
مزيد من كلمات Emotions
frustrated
A1الشعور بالإحباط يأتي عندما لا تستطيع تحقيق شيء ما. تشعر بالضيق وخيبة الأمل.
antigrathood
C1The state, condition, or persistent quality of being ungrateful or actively resisting the expression of gratitude. It refers to a psychological or social disposition where an individual or group refuses to acknowledge the benefits or kindness received from others.
ashamed
A1To feel very bad or embarrassed because you have done something wrong, silly, or not good enough. It is the feeling of guilt or low self-esteem that comes after a mistake.
cheerful
A1الشخص المبتهج هو من يبدو سعيداً ومتفائلاً دائماً. يمكنك أيضاً وصف الأماكن بأنها مبتهجة إذا كانت مشرقة ومريحة للنفس.
uncomfortable
A1Describes a physical feeling of slight pain or a mental feeling of being worried or shy. It is often used for things that are not soft or for situations that make you feel awkward.
desperate
B2الشعور باليأس التام تجاه موقف معين لا يمكن إصلاحه، أو الحاجة الماسة والملحة للحصول على شيء ما.
unfortdom
C1Describing a state or condition characterized by an overwhelming and seemingly inescapable lack of luck or resilience. It is used to qualify situations or individuals trapped in a persistent cycle of misfortune or systemic disadvantage.
stirring
B1صفة لشيء يثير مشاعر قوية كالحماس أو الإعجاب. أو اسم لبداية شعور أو حركة.
furious
A1الغضب الشديد يعني أن تكون غاضبًا للغاية. هذا شعور أقوى بكثير من مجرد الانزعاج.
greed
B1الجشع هو رغبة قوية وأنانيّة في شيء ما، مثل الثروة أو السلطة، أكثر من اللازم. غالبًا ما يتضمن تجاهل احتياجات الآخرين.
