Dreaded

The term 'dreaded' is an adjective used to describe something that is feared, anticipated with anxiety or apprehension, or regarded with terror. It often implies a specific fear of a forthcoming event or potential outcome that evokes feelings of unease or panic. An experience, decision, or outcome classified as 'dreaded' may influence behavior, choices, and emotional responses due to the strong and negative expectations associated with it.

Dreaded meaning with examples

• The students faced the dreaded final exam, a culmination of months of study that filled them with anxiety. As the day approached, many were unable to sleep, worrying about their performance and the implications of failure on their grades. The fear of disappointing family members added to their stress, creating a cloud of dread that hovered over them like a dark shadow, suffocating their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
• After many sleepless nights, she finally received the dreaded diagnosis from her doctor. The word cancer hung in the air, heavy with implications and uncertainties for her future. Fear gripped her heart as she thought about the potential treatments, side effects, and changes to her life that lay ahead. Confronting this dreaded reality required immense courage, forcing her to reconcile her hopes and fears with the looming battle that awaited.
• When he confided in his friend about his job performance, he expressed his dread of the upcoming performance review. The anxiety of possibly facing criticism from his boss triggered invasive thoughts and sleepless nights. As he prepared over the weeks, he imagined multiple worst-case scenarios, causing him to overthink every detail. This dreaded moment loomed larger than life, holding him captive in a cycle of worry that stifled his productivity.
• The family planned their vacation carefully to avoid the dreaded family feud that had erupted the previous year. Tensions between relatives simmered below the surface, and many were anxious about potential confrontations. To reduce the tension, they decided to set clear boundaries and choose neutral topics of conversation. By being proactive, they hoped to prevent the dreaded outcome of a dramatic blow-up that could cast a shadow over their precious time together.
• She had been preparing for the dreaded job interview for weeks, rehearsing answers to potential questions and fine-tuning her resume. The fear of walking into the room unprepared kept her awake at night, her mind racing with worries. What would they ask? What if she stumbled over her words? The anticipation surrounding this dreaded experience, however, also fueled her determination to present her best self, turning anxiety into motivation.