appalling weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appalling weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe weather conditions that are extremely unpleasant or distressing. Example: "The outdoor event was canceled due to the appalling weather, with heavy rain and strong winds making it impossible to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Appalling weather cost them shooting time.

The Guardian - Film

"Even in appalling weather, riding along the river is an exciting experience.

The Guardian - Money

Perhaps the appalling weather and widespread flooding had something to do with it.

The Guardian

Neil Manthorp (@NeilManthorp) Wonder if Proteas are aware of the appalling weather forecast for Monday.

The Guardian - Sport

It is thought to have contributed to the appalling weather that so hampered Napoleon two months later at Waterloo.

The Economist

I remember perfect long, hot summers - your memory edits out the midge bites and the appalling weather.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Inside the city, residents said displaced people were arriving in their hundreds and moving into empty public buildings and offices, living in appalling conditions as chillier autumn weather sets in.

The Guardian

Liverpool narrowly won the championship, although probably would not have done so had the season not been prolonged by appalling winter weather.

The Guardian

Chase had to move his brigade across mountainous, roadless, uncharted jungle in frequently appalling wet weather.

Wikipedia

On the return journey, in appalling Barrier weather, all the dogs perished, as Joyce had predicted, and the party returned to Hut Point on 24 March exhausted and severely frostbitten.

Wikipedia

Leonardo DiCaprio-led Oscars hopeful The Revenant climbed to top spot in its third week of full release at the US box office this weekend, beating off three new titles, the continuing might of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the appalling East Coast weather in the process.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events affected by "appalling weather", be specific about the impact. For example, instead of just saying "The festival was canceled due to the appalling weather", specify what made the weather so bad: "The festival was canceled due to the "appalling weather", including torrential rain and strong winds."

Common error

Avoid using "appalling" too frequently in the same paragraph or piece of writing. Vary your vocabulary to keep the writing engaging and prevent it from sounding repetitive. Consider alternatives like "terrible weather" or "dreadful weather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appalling weather" functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "appalling" modifies the noun "weather". As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe exceptionally unpleasant or severe weather conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Sport

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Travel

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appalling weather" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe extremely unpleasant weather conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a predominant presence in news and media. While synonymous alternatives like "terrible weather" or "horrendous weather" exist, "appalling weather" effectively conveys a sense of severity. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the weather's impact and avoid overuse in close proximity. The high frequency of the phrase across authoritative sources further validates its widespread acceptance and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible weather

Simple synonym, replacing "appalling" with a more common descriptor.

dreadful weather

Similar to terrible, but can imply a sense of fear or apprehension.

awful weather

Another common synonym, interchangeable in most contexts.

horrendous weather

Emphasizes the severity and unpleasantness of the weather.

atrocious weather

Highlights the poor quality of the weather conditions.

severe weather

Focuses on the intensity and potential danger of the weather.

inclement weather

A more formal way to describe unpleasant weather.

frightful weather

Emphasizes the unpleasant and possibly scary nature of the weather.

rough weather

Suggests turbulent and challenging conditions.

brutal weather

Implies harsh and unforgiving weather conditions.

FAQs

What does "appalling weather" mean?

"Appalling weather" describes extremely unpleasant or severe weather conditions. It suggests that the weather is exceptionally bad, causing discomfort, disruption, or even danger.

What can I say instead of "appalling weather"?

You can use alternatives like "terrible weather", "horrendous weather", or "atrocious weather" depending on the specific context and level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "appalling weather" in formal writing?

Yes, "appalling weather" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, scientific reports, or descriptive essays. While it carries a strong connotation, it's not considered informal or slang.

How does "appalling weather" differ from "bad weather"?

"Appalling weather" implies a greater degree of severity than "bad weather". While "bad weather" simply indicates that the weather is unpleasant, "appalling weather" suggests that it is exceptionally awful or even frightening.