awful word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awful word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a word that is considered unpleasant, offensive, or inappropriate in some context. Example: "I can't believe you used that awful word in your speech; it really upset the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"What an awful word".

The New York Times

' — what's that awful word?

The New Yorker

Well, it's an awful word.

The Guardian - Music

For Dario, "fusion" is an awful word.

The New Yorker

It's an awful word, isn't it?

Harvard Business Review

That does require that awful word planning".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

And then he speaks those awful words: "I'm sick".

The New York Times - Arts

Then come the awful words from his father: "He'll wear it to school".

The New York Times - Books

When he said those awful words, he witnessed me into the future, a future he knew I would meet.

The New Yorker

As the awful words continued, Waugh gradually made the discovery that the Mizner boys were talking affectionately about a dear old friend.

The New Yorker

He is a little bit adorable and a little bit awful, words I once used in reference to Arnold Scaasi during his Bush-fascination days.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "awful word", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the word is considered "awful". Provide enough information for the reader to understand the negative connotations or implications associated with it.

Common error

Avoid using "awful word" as a placeholder for critical thinking about language. Instead of simply labeling a word as "awful", explain precisely why it is problematic in that specific context. Is it offensive, misleading, or simply inappropriate?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awful word" functions as a subjective descriptor, typically used to express a speaker's or writer's negative opinion or strong dislike for a particular word. As Ludwig AI shows, it often prefaces an explanation of why the word is deemed undesirable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awful word" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey a negative sentiment toward a specific word. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and reveals its prevalence in News & Media contexts. While perfectly acceptable, remember to clarify why a word is deemed "awful" to avoid vague criticisms. Alternatives like "terrible word" or "horrible word" can be used, but the core purpose remains: expressing dislike and inviting further explanation. Ultimately, the effectiveness of "awful word" lies in its ability to clearly communicate a negative judgment and prompt deeper reflection on language choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Terrible word

Replaces "awful" with "terrible", indicating a high degree of negativity.

Horrible word

Substitutes "awful" with "horrible", suggesting a strong feeling of unpleasantness.

Dreadful word

Replaces "awful" with "dreadful", emphasizing the causing of great fear or suffering.

Unpleasant term

Shifts from "awful word" to a more formal tone using "unpleasant" and "term".

Offensive word

Focuses on the potential to cause offense, rather than general dislike.

Regrettable word

Emphasizes the speaker's feeling of regret for using the particular word.

Unfortunate word

Highlights that the word choice was ill-chosen or inappropriate for the situation.

Distasteful word

Conveys a sense of personal repugnance or aversion to the word.

Objectionable term

Indicates that the word is likely to provoke disagreement or disapproval.

Unacceptable word

Indicates the word is beyond the limits of what is considered appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "awful word" in a sentence?

You can use "awful word" to express your dislike or disapproval of a particular term. For example, "'Legacy' is an "awful word" to burden someone with at a young age".

What are some alternatives to "awful word"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "terrible word", "horrible word", or "unpleasant term".

Is it always appropriate to use "awful word"?

While grammatically correct, using "awful word" might be too informal for some contexts. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to determine if a more formal alternative would be more suitable.

What does it mean when someone describes a word as "awful"?

When someone describes a word as "awful", they generally mean that they find it unpleasant, offensive, inappropriate, or otherwise objectionable. The specific reason can vary depending on the context.