Aweful vs. Awful: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 9, 2024
"Aweful" is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is "awful," which denotes something very bad or unpleasant.
Which is correct: Aweful or Awful
How to spell Awful?
Aweful is Incorrect
Awful is Correct
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Key Differences
Use mnemonic: "An Awful Waffle," remembering there's no "e" in either word.
Associate "awful" with negative events or things.
Visualize someone saying "aw" when seeing something bad, followed by "ful" for the full effect.
Think of "awful" as an "aw" sound followed by "ful."
Remember that "awful" is full of "aw" but not "e."
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Correct usage of Awful
I had an aweful experience at the restaurant.
I had an awful experience at the restaurant.
It's aweful how much waste is produced by cities.
It's awful how much waste is produced by cities.
The movie was aweful and we left early.
The movie was awful and we left early.
The weather was aweful during our vacation.
The weather was awful during our vacation.
Her performance was criticized as being aweful.
Her performance was criticized as being awful.
Awful Definitions
It can describe something regrettable or unfortunate.
It's awful that the event got canceled.
"Awful" means extremely bad or unpleasant.
The weather outside is awful.
"Awful" refers to inspiring fear or awe.
The power of the storm was awful to behold.
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
It can also denote a great degree or extent.
She was in an awful hurry.
"Awful" might mean deserving of or causing horror or disgust.
The crime scene was an awful sight.
Awful Sentences
The room was in an awful mess when they returned.
The soup tasted awful and I couldn't finish it.
He felt awful after hearing the sad news.
She had an awful headache and decided to rest.
He made an awful decision that he later regretted.
After the party, the house looked awful and needed cleaning.
It's awful how people can be so cruel to animals.
The smell in the room was just awful.
The traffic was awful and it took hours to get home.
The movie's special effects were awful and unconvincing.
The paint color they chose looked awful in the sunlight.
That joke was in awful taste and offended many people.
The weather forecast predicts awful storms this weekend.
The play received awful reviews and closed after one week.
That sweater looks awful on you; it's not your color.
The quality of the fabric is awful and not worth the price.
They received awful service at the hotel during their stay.
I have an awful feeling that we forgot something important.
She was in an awful mood all day after the argument.
He was suffering from an awful cold last week.
The conditions in the refugee camp were awful.
She felt awful for lying to her best friend.
They were stuck in an awful traffic jam for hours.
It's awful that they had to cancel their wedding plans.
His remarks were awful and hurt her feelings deeply.
Awful Idioms & Phrases
Awful truth
An unpleasant or painful reality.
The awful truth was that he was no longer in love with her.
Awful weather
Very bad or unpleasant weather conditions.
We stayed indoors due to the awful weather.
Look awful
To appear very unattractive or in bad condition.
After the long flight, she said she must look awful.
An awful lot
A very large amount.
She has an awful lot of books in her collection.
Feel awful about
To feel very bad or guilty about something.
He felt awful about breaking his promise.
Something awful
Used to emphasize the intensity or degree of something.
He misses her something awful.
Awful noise
A very loud and unpleasant sound.
The construction outside made an awful noise that lasted all day.
An awful shame
A very unfortunate or regrettable situation.
It's an awful shame that the old theater is being torn down.
To be awful at
To be very bad or unskilled at something.
I'm awful at drawing but I enjoy it anyway.
Awful tasting
Having a very bad taste.
The medicine was effective but awful tasting.
Awful big
Used informally to describe something very large.
That's an awful big risk to take.
An awful time
A very bad or difficult experience.
They had an awful time trying to get the project finished on deadline.
An awful mess
A situation or place in very bad disorder.
The kitchen was an awful mess after the party.
Awful sight
A very unpleasant or disturbing view.
The aftermath of the storm was an awful sight to behold.
Feel awful
To feel very ill or uncomfortable.
She felt awful after eating too much junk food.
Sound awful
To appear to be bad or negative based on description or noise.
The plan sounds awful; we need to rethink it.
FAQs
Why is it called Awful?
Historically, "awful" meant "full of awe," but its meaning has evolved to denote something negative or bad.
Which vowel is used before Awful?
Typically, the article "an" is used before "awful."
What is the pronunciation of Awful?
/ˈɔː.fəl/
What is the plural form of Awful?
"Awful" is an adjective and doesn't have a standard plural form.
What is the verb form of Awful?
There isn't a standard verb form of "awful."
What is the singular form of Awful?
"Awful."
What is the root word of Awful?
The root word is "awe" with the suffix "-ful."
Which conjunction is used with Awful?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the sentence.
Which article is used with Awful?
Both "an" and "the" can be used.
Is Awful an adverb?
No, but "awfully" is the adverbial form.
Is the word Awful imperative?
No.
Which preposition is used with Awful?
Various prepositions like "in," "of," or "about" can be used, depending on the context.
Is Awful a countable noun?
No, because "awful" is an adjective.
How many syllables are in Awful?
Two syllables.
Is Awful a vowel or consonant?
"Awful" is a word, containing both vowels and consonants.
What part of speech is Awful?
Adjective.
What is another term for Awful?
Terrible or dreadful.
What is the opposite of Awful?
Wonderful or terrific.
What is the second form of Awful?
N/A.
Is Awful an abstract noun?
No.
Is Awful a negative or positive word?
Typically negative, but it can be used in positive contexts for emphasis.
Is the Awful term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically in certain contexts.
Which determiner is used with Awful?
"This" or "that" can be used, e.g., "this awful weather."
Is Awful a collective noun?
No.
How do we divide Awful into syllables?
Aw-ful.
What is a stressed syllable in Awful?
The first syllable, "aw."
What is the first form of Awful?
As an adjective, "awful" doesn't have verb forms.
What is the third form of Awful?
N/A.
How is Awful used in a sentence?
"The movie was so awful that I left halfway through."
Is Awful a noun or adjective?
Adjective.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
