ghoulish

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ghoulish" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is morbid, gruesome, or reminiscent of a ghoul, often in a way that evokes horror or disgust. Example: "The movie's ghoulish scenes left the audience feeling unsettled and disturbed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ratio of deaths to births is 3 1, so deep faultlines appeared after a woman called Dhun Baria produced ghoulish photographs supposedly of unconsumed corpses piled up in the dakhmas of Doongerwadi.

The Guardian

The stereotype has subsequently been mined by numerous low-budget films, and lately fuelled by a series of terrifying YouTube clips of ghoulish clown "pranks" in underground carparks and on deserted roads.

The Guardian

This symbol of the capital was retired in 2005 and consigned to a ghoulish afterlife on countless mugs and T-shirts.

The Guardian - Arts

Its beheadings of American and British civilians in ghoulish videos provoked America and its allies to intervene with a campaign of air strikes.

The Economist

Another year of the Iron Fist A load of rubbish Reprints Related items The government's finances: Brave rhetoric, grim realityFeb 26th 2009 American banks: A ghoulish prospectFeb 26th 2009 Bank rescues: When will we see your like again?Feb 26th 2009 America's banks: Banks under stressFeb 23rd 2009 America's bank bail-out: Dashed expectationsFeb 12th 2009Unfortunately, that is a false hope.

The Economist

More such children are now destined to languish in Russian orphanages.The trialFinally, to the bizarre (even for Russia), ghoulish climax of the saga.

The Economist

Purveyors of Halloween masks of presidential candidates take a ghoulish glee in claiming that they have accurately predicted the winner of the past seven elections: he who sells most, wins.

The Economist

Ms Murray visits some particularly ghoulish mummies, dressed but withered, in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo.

The Economist

But ghoulish as it is, the Colchesters' theory is an intriguing one.

The Economist

But he can also be ghoulish, littering the earth with torn body parts.

The Economist

Now there is talk that Russia should put an end to this ghoulish thrill and, finally, bury Lenin.The idea of evicting Lenin from Red Square where he has reposed since his death in 1924, except for a brief wartime evacuation to the Urals was first mooted even before the Soviet state he founded collapsed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ghoulish" to describe things that evoke a sense of horror or fascination with death, corpses, or the unnatural. It is particularly effective when conveying a sense of unease or disgust.

Common error

Avoid using "ghoulish" to describe something merely unpleasant or unattractive. The term carries a strong connotation of death and horror, so reserve it for situations where those themes are genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

"Ghoulish" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate a quality associated with ghouls, death, or morbidity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing scenes, objects, or even behaviors that evoke a sense of horror or fascination with death.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ghoulish" is a descriptive adjective used to convey a sense of horror, morbidity, or fascination with death. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While commonly found in news and media contexts, its strong connotations make it less suitable for formal writing. Related terms include "macabre", "morbid", and "gruesome", each offering slightly different shades of meaning. When using "ghoulish", ensure the context genuinely involves themes of death or the unnatural to avoid misapplication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

macabre

Focuses on the disturbing and horrifying aspects of death and injury.

morbid

Relates to an unhealthy interest in disturbing subjects, especially death and disease.

gruesome

Emphasizes the repulsively frightful and shocking nature of something.

grisly

Highlights the horrifying and ghastly quality of a scene or event.

frightful

Stresses the terrifying and alarming nature of something.

horrifying

Indicates something that causes intense fear or disgust.

eerie

Suggests a strange and unsettling atmosphere.

uncanny

Describes something strange or mysterious, often in an unsettling way.

grotesque

Focuses on the repulsively ugly or distorted aspects.

spectral

Relates to ghosts or apparitions, evoking a sense of the supernatural.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ghoulish" in a sentence?

Use "ghoulish" to describe something that is reminiscent of a ghoul or has qualities associated with death and the macabre. For example, "The abandoned house had a "ghoulish" atmosphere." or "The "ghoulish" decorations were perfect for the Halloween party."

What are some alternatives to using "ghoulish"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "macabre", "morbid", "gruesome", or "grisly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "ghoulish" in formal writing?

While "ghoulish" is a valid word, its strong connotations of horror and death may make it unsuitable for some formal contexts. Consider whether a more neutral or descriptive term would be more appropriate, especially in business or academic writing.

What distinguishes "ghoulish" from "creepy"?

"Ghoulish" specifically relates to death, corpses, or ghouls, while "creepy" implies something that causes a feeling of unease or fear in a more general sense. "Ghoulish" suggests a more intense and specific type of horror.