Nightmarish

Nightmarish describes something resembling or causing the experience of a nightmare; extremely unpleasant, frightening, or disturbing. It evokes feelings of intense dread, terror, helplessness, and often involves illogical or surreal elements. The term implies a prolonged or recurring state of distress, leaving a lasting impact on one's emotional or psychological state. It can be applied to physical environments, situations, events, or even abstract concepts that generate a sense of profound anxiety and despair. A nightmarish experience is characterized by a potent combination of fear and helplessness, making it difficult to escape the pervasive sense of dread.

Nightmarish meaning with examples

• The car accident was a nightmarish sequence of events; the screech of tires, the shattering glass, and the screams echoing in my ears. I felt trapped, utterly helpless as the world spun around me, leaving lasting trauma.
• The labyrinthine bureaucracy and constant rejections made the job application process a nightmarish ordeal. Each hurdle felt insurmountable, adding layers of frustration and hopelessness, draining all my optimism for employment.
• The deserted, decaying mansion, filled with creaking doors and cobwebs, created a nightmarish setting for the horror movie. Every shadow seemed to conceal a threat, amplifying the viewers' sense of unease and anticipation.
• Living under a constant barrage of misinformation and fake news created a nightmarish environment where trust eroded, facts blurred, and truth became a casualty. The endless cycle left me feeling disoriented.