Awfull vs. Awful — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 26, 2024
"Awfull" is a misspelling. The correct term is "Awful," which denotes something very bad or unpleasant.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Awfull or Awful
How to spell Awful?
Awfull
Incorrect Spelling
Awful
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
If something is truly terrible, it's "Awful" not "full" of mistakes like "Awfull."
"Awful" sounds like "offal," which is not appealing to many.
"Awful" has just one 'l' while "full" as a separate word has two.
Think of "Awful" as being so bad that it's not "full" of two 'l's.
Relate "Awful" to "Aw" like a short exclamation; you wouldn't say "Awwl."
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How Do You Spell Awful Correctly?
Incorrect: The food tasted awfull.
Correct: The food tasted awful.
Incorrect: The weather was awfull last weekend.
Correct: The weather was awful last weekend.
Incorrect: Their service was awfull.
Correct: Their service was awful.
Incorrect: She felt awfull after the news.
Correct: She felt awful after the news.
Incorrect: It was an awfull movie.
Correct: It was an awful movie.
Awful Definitions
"Awful" means very bad or unpleasant in quality or character.
The weather outside is awful.
It's used to express strong displeasure or horror.
The accident scene was awful to behold.
"Awful" can describe something extremely disagreeable or objectionable.
She has an awful personality.
It can denote a large amount or degree.
He has an awful lot of toys.
Very bad or unpleasant
An awful speech
The place smelled awful
I look awful in a swimsuit
Used to emphasize the extent of something, especially something unpleasant or negative
I've made an awful fool of myself
Inspiring reverential wonder or fear.
Awfully; very
We're an awful long way from the motorway
Extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible
Had an awful day at the office.
Commanding awe
"this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath" (Herman Melville).
Filled with or displaying great reverence.
(Obsolete) Afraid.
Formidable in nature or extent
An awful burden.
An awful risk.
Extremely; very
Was awful sick.
Very bad.
My socks smell awful.
We saw such an awful film last night that we left the theater before the end.
Exceedingly great; usually applied intensively.
An awful bonnet
I have learnt an awful amount today.
Causing fear or horror; appalling, terrible.
Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence or respect; profoundly impressive.
Struck or filled with awe or reverence.
(obsolete) Terror-stricken.
(colloquial) Awfully; dreadfully; terribly.
Very, extremely.
That's an awful big house.
She seemed awful nice when I met her yesterday.
He was blubbering away something awful.
Oppressing with fear or horror; appalling; terrible; as, an awful scene.
Inspiring awe; filling with profound reverence, or with fear and admiration; fitted to inspire reverential fear; profoundly impressive.
Heaven's awful Monarch.
Struck or filled with awe; terror-stricken.
A weak and awful reverence for antiquity.
Worshipful; reverential; law-abiding.
Thrust from the company of awful men.
Frightful; exceedingly bad; great; - applied intensively; as, an awful bonnet; an awful boaster.
Exceptionally bad or displeasing;
Atrocious taste
Abominable workmanship
An awful voice
Dreadful manners
A painful performance
Terrible handwriting
An unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room
Causing fear or dread or terror;
The awful war
An awful risk
Dire news
A career or vengeance so direful that London was shocked
The dread presence of the headmaster
Polio is no longer the dreaded disease it once was
A dreadful storm
A fearful howling
Horrendous explosions shook the city
A terrible curse
Offensive or even (of persons) malicious;
In a nasty mood
A nasty accident
A nasty shock
A nasty smell
A nasty trick to pull
Will he say nasty things at my funeral?
Inspired by a feeling of fearful wonderment or reverence;
Awed by the silence
Awful worshippers with bowed heads
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Used as intensifiers;
Terribly interesting
I'm awful sorry
"Awful" can signify inspiring fear or reverence.
The power of nature is awful.
Awful Meaning in a Sentence
The smell in the room was awful.
The traffic was awful this morning.
She looked awful in that dress.
That joke was in awful taste.
The condition of the park was awful.
I had an awful headache yesterday.
The movie received awful reviews.
He had an awful time trying to find parking.
The news reported an awful accident.
The roads are in awful condition after the storm.
She gave him an awful look.
It's awful how much food is wasted.
The weather forecast predicts awful conditions tomorrow.
It was awful seeing the team lose like that.
I heard an awful noise last night.
I feel awful for forgetting her birthday.
The room was in an awful state.
It's awful that we have to leave so soon.
His handwriting is awful.
She had an awful experience at the dentist.
I have an awful feeling about this.
He's been in an awful mood all day.
Their chances of winning are awful.
They had to deal with an awful customer.
The situation became awful very quickly.
Awful Idioms & Phrases
Look awful
To appear very unattractive or in bad condition.
After the long flight, she looked awful.
Awful weather
Very bad or unpleasant weather conditions.
The picnic was ruined by the awful weather.
Feel awful
To feel very bad or unpleasant.
He felt awful after eating too much candy.
An awful lot
A very large amount.
She has an awful lot of books in her collection.
An awful mess
A very dirty or untidy state.
The kitchen was an awful mess after the party.
Awful truth
A harsh or unpleasant reality.
The documentary revealed the awful truth about the industry.
Sound awful
To seem very bad or unpleasant when heard.
His cough sounds awful; he should see a doctor.
Taste awful
To have a very bad or unpleasant flavor.
This medicine tastes awful, but it works.
Awful news
Very bad or unpleasant news.
They received awful news about the accident.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of Awful?
Awful is not traditionally a verb; it doesn't have a verb form.
Which vowel is used before Awful?
"An" as in "an awful movie."
What is the pronunciation of Awful?
/ˈɔː.fəl/.
What is the plural form of Awful?
Awfuls (though rarely used).
Which preposition is used with Awful?
"Of" as in "awful of him."
Why is it called Awful?
Originally denoted "awe-inspiring," but over time its connotation shifted to predominantly negative.
What is the root word of Awful?
"Awe."
What is the singular form of Awful?
Awful.
Which conjunction is used with Awful?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the context.
Is Awful an abstract noun?
No.
Is the Awful term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically.
Which article is used with Awful?
"An" as in "an awful day."
Is Awful an adverb?
It can be, as in "awfully good."
Is Awful a collective noun?
No.
What is the first form of Awful?
Not applicable, as Awful is an adjective, not a verb.
What is the third form of Awful?
Not applicable.
Is Awful a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
Is Awful a vowel or consonant?
"Awful" is a word, not a singular vowel or consonant.
What is the opposite of Awful?
Wonderful.
What is the second form of Awful?
Not applicable.
How many syllables are in Awful?
Two syllables.
What is a stressed syllable in Awful?
The first syllable, "Aw."
What is another term for Awful?
Terrible.
Which determiner is used with Awful?
"That" as in "that awful sound."
How is Awful used in a sentence?
The taste of the medicine was awful.
Is Awful a negative or positive word?
Predominantly negative, but can be neutral depending on context.
Is Awful a countable noun?
Awful is primarily an adjective and not typically counted.
Is the word Awful imperative?
No.
How do we divide Awful into syllables?
Aw-ful.
What part of speech is Awful?
Adjective.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
