appalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is shocking, horrifying, or extremely bad. Example: "The conditions in the shelter were appalling, leaving many volunteers in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is appalling.

The New York Times

A third driver was racism in the housing market: many new migrants in the 1950s to 1970s faced appalling discrimination with "No blacks, no Irish, no dogs" signs common in the windows of lodging houses.

The Guardian

The following day he totally blew a gasket, saying that Ed Balls' description of Liam Byrne's "there's no money left" note as a joke was "frankly the most appalling thing I have heard in this election campaign so far".

The Guardian

The decision for the board of the Biennale is an appalling insult to them".

The Guardian

The Australian government locks asylum seekers up in appalling conditions and treats them with less respect than many of us treat the family dog.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The conduct displayed by these individuals was appalling, deeply troubling, and did not meet the high standards that all of our sworn police officers vow to uphold," the statement said.

The Guardian

The problem with swords made of light is that, by its nature, light is massless – it will simply pass through other light like an appalling coward, instead of colliding with it with a satisfactory "bwwwooOOUumm-TSSSK". Scientists at the MIT Centre for Ultracold Atoms, in Massachusetts, recognise the problem of light's irritating pacifism and are taking important steps to correct it.

The Guardian - Film

UK bond yields are low because growth is so appalling that the markets have no expectation that the monetary policy committee will be able to raise interest rates for years, and because we have our own central bank that can initiate quantitative easing.

The Guardian - Opinion

That appalling arrogance was bolstered by an even more sinister knowledge.

The Guardian

"The appalling design of the tax credits scheme then provides a perfect opportunity for criminal gangs to commit massive fraud.

The Guardian

Secondly, Ukip's organisation was appalling until Farage and his allies took a grip and set up viable structures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appalling" when you want to convey a strong sense of shock, disgust, or disapproval. It's more impactful than simply saying something is 'bad'.

Common error

Avoid using "appalling" in situations where a milder term would suffice. Overusing strong words can dilute their impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve "appalling" for truly shocking or terrible situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "appalling" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes dismay or horror. As Ludwig AI indicates, it accurately conveys a sense of shock or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appalling" functions as an adjective to describe something deeply shocking or horrifying. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's commonly found in news and media to express strong negative sentiments. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual contexts. Alternatives like "horrifying" or "shocking" can provide nuanced variations. Use "appalling" judiciously to maximize its impact and avoid diluting its strong meaning. Remember, its authority stems from conveying genuine dismay or disgust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

horrifying

Focuses specifically on causing horror or fear.

shocking

Emphasizes the surprise and disbelief caused by something.

dreadful

Highlights the unpleasantness and poor quality of something.

atrocious

Indicates extreme wickedness or cruelty.

terrible

A more general term for something very bad or unpleasant.

awful

Similar to 'terrible', but can also imply a sense of awe or fear.

deplorable

Suggests something deserving strong condemnation.

disgraceful

Highlights the shame and loss of reputation associated with something.

outrageous

Implies a violation of moral standards or expectations.

abominable

Indicates extreme dislike or disgust.

FAQs

What does "appalling" mean?

"Appalling" describes something that is deeply shocking, horrifying, or extremely bad. It conveys a strong sense of disapproval and dismay.

What can I say instead of "appalling"?

You can use alternatives like "horrifying", "shocking", or "dreadful" depending on the context.

Is "appalling" a formal word?

While "appalling" can be used in formal contexts, it's also suitable for general use when describing something truly terrible. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific context.

How do I use "appalling" in a sentence?

You can use "appalling" to describe a situation, behavior, or quality that is exceptionally bad. For example, "The living conditions were appalling" or "His behavior was absolutely appalling".