appalling
adjective C1
Plain meaning
extremely bad or shocking
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means extremely bad or shocking, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalHis response sounded appalling, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a appalling assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a appalling responseappalling behavioura appalling situation
Watch out
Do not use “very appalling” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
appal (verb)appalled (adjective)