Practice Atrocious with Flashcards, Spelling and Quizzes
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atrocious
Atrocious (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does atrocious mean?
Extremely evil, cruel, or horrifying, often causing great shock or disgust.
"The film received scathing reviews for its atrocious acting and poor storytelling."
Detailed Meaning of Atrocious
It implies actions, behavior, or conditions that are utterly heinous, morally reprehensible, or exceptionally bad in quality. When used to describe a person's behavior, it suggests acts of extreme wickedness or brutality. When applied to an object, event, or situation, it conveys a sense of extreme unpleasantness, severe lack of quality, or profound offensiveness. The term "atrocious" often indicates actions or things that deviate greatly from accepted moral standards, causing intense revulsion or outrage. It is a powerful word that captures the severity of something deeply disturbing, offensive, or abhorrent, leaving a lasting impact on those who encounter it.
Example Sentences for Atrocious
1. The dictator's regime was known for its atrocious human rights abuses.
2. The company faced public backlash for its atrocious treatment of workers.
3. The neighborhood was plagued by an atrocious crime wave.
4. The restaurant served an atrocious meal with undercooked food and terrible service.
5. The student's spelling in the essay was atrocious, filled with numerous errors.
6. The team's performance in the game was absolutely atrocious, resulting in a humiliating defeat.
Origin and Etymology of Atrocious
The adjective 'atrocious' has an etymology that traces back to the Latin word 'atrox,' which means 'fierce,' 'cruel,' or 'ferocious.' 'Atrox' was used in Latin to describe something or someone possessing extreme and often horrifying qualities, especially in terms of cruelty or violence. Over time, 'atrocious' entered English, retaining the sense of being extremely evil, cruel, or horrifying, often causing great shock or disgust. The etymology of 'atrocious' underscores its historical association with acts or qualities of extreme cruelty and ferocity, highlighting its ability to convey the severity and horror of certain actions or behaviors.
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More Usage Examples of Atrocious
1. The conditions in the overcrowded prison were described as atrocious by human rights organizations.
2. The politician made an atrocious remark that offended many people.
3. The customer complained about the atrocious quality of the product they received.
4. The noise from the construction site was atrocious, disrupting the entire neighborhood.
5. The fashion designer's latest collection received criticism for its atrocious designs and lack of creativity.
6. The crime scene revealed an atrocious act of violence.
7. His behavior toward the vulnerable was truly atrocious.
8. The dictator's reign was marked by atrocious human rights abuses.
9. The conditions in the prison were nothing short of atrocious.
10. The war's atrocities left a lasting impact on the survivors.
11. The news of the child's abduction was simply atrocious.
12. The movie depicted the atrocities of war in a harrowing manner.
13. The serial killer's actions were undeniably atrocious.
14. Her treatment of animals was nothing less than atrocious.
15. The company's environmental record was deemed atrocious.
16. The famine's toll on the population was truly atrocious.
17. The slave trade was an atrocious chapter in history.
18. The vandalism in the park was an atrocious act.
19. The politician's corrupt practices were viewed as atrocious.
20. The verdict shocked everyone with its atrocious leniency.
21. The abuse of power by officials was absolutely atrocious.
22. The hate crimes committed were condemned as atrocious.
23. The war's atrocities haunted the survivors for life.
24. The school bullying was an atrocious problem that needed addressing.
25. The pollution in the river reached an atrocious level.
Synonyms and Related Words for Atrocious
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