WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
ap•pall•ing /əˈpɔlɪŋ/USA pronunciation
adj. awful;
terrible:The food was appalling.
ap•pall•ing•ly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- shocking;
horrifying:an appalling accident.
terrible:The food was appalling.
ap•pall•ing
(ə pô′ling),USA pronunciation adj.
ap•pall′ing•ly, adv.
- causing dismay or horror:an appalling accident; an appalling lack of manners.
- appall + -ing2 1810–20