adj Uncommon

forbidding

fuh-BIH-dihng

Forbidding (adj) means looking unfriendly, threatening, or unwelcoming. Example: “The old mansion had a forbidding, gothic look to it.”

adj

Looking unfriendly, threatening, or unwelcoming.

"The old mansion had a forbidding, gothic look to it."

"Dark clouds gave the mountain a forbidding appearance."

How to use forbidding

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes something that looks intimidating or discourages you from approaching.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "forbidden" — forbidding describes an unfriendly appearance, while forbidden means "not allowed."

Easily confused with

forbidden →

Word forms

more forbidding comparative, forbiddings plural, most forbidding superlative

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The old mansion had a _____, gothic look to it.

Etymology

From forbid + -ing.

Rhymes for forbidding

kidding bidding ridding skidding

See all rhymes for forbidding →

Frequently asked questions

What does “forbidding” mean?

The word “forbidding” means looking unfriendly, threatening, or unwelcoming. In plain terms, describes something that looks intimidating or discourages you from approaching.

How do you pronounce “forbidding”?

“Forbidding” is pronounced fuh-BIH-dihng (/fɚˈbɪdɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “forbidding” in a sentence?

Here is “forbidding” used in a sentence: “The old mansion had a forbidding, gothic look to it.”

What part of speech is “forbidding”?

“Forbidding” is an adjective.

Is “forbidding” a common word?

“Forbidding” is an uncommon word in modern English.