hellish

word

Definition

Very unpleasant, terrible, or like hell. Often describes extreme discomfort, pain, or something extremely bad.

Usage & Nuances

'Hellish' is informal and mainly used for emphasis, not literally about hell. Common with words for experiences or conditions: 'hellish pain', 'hellish week'. Often hyperbolic, expressing strong negative feelings.

Example Sentences

After that hellish flight, I just want to sleep for a week.

natural

That exam was hellish—no one finished on time.

natural

I went through a hellish week at work, but things are better now.

natural

The desert heat was hellish today.

basic

She had a hellish headache all night.

basic

The traffic this morning was absolutely hellish.

basic