awfulness

Definition

The state or quality of being awful.

Etymology

From Middle English aghfulnesse, equivalent to awful + -ness.

Example Sentences

• "Out came old Teenie, buzzing mad as a whole nest of wasps. Muttered awfulnesses came from her great padded bonnet."
• ""Why is the awfulness of families such a popular reason for starting another?""
• "[…] the knocking at the gate, which succeeds to the murder of Duncan, produced to my feelings an effect for which I could never account: the effect was—that it reflected back upon the murder a peculiar awfulness and a depth of solemnity […]"