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noun

foreboding

Foreboding (noun) means a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen. Example: “A sense of foreboding settled over the crew before the storm hit.”

noun
1
A strong feeling that something bad is about to happen.
"A sense of foreboding settled over the crew before the storm hit."
adj
1
Suggesting that something bad is coming; ominous.
"The sky turned a foreboding shade of grey."

How to use foreboding

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gut feeling — or an atmosphere — that suggests something bad is on the way.

Common pairings
sense of foreboding foreboding atmosphere

Word forms

more foreboding comparative, forebodings plural, most foreboding superlative

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A sense of _____ settled over the crew before the storm hit.

Etymology

From fore- + bode ("to foretell") + -ing.

Related words

Rhymes for foreboding

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Frequently asked questions

What does “foreboding” mean?

The word “foreboding” means a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen. In plain terms, a gut feeling — or an atmosphere — that suggests something bad is on the way.

How do you use “foreboding” in a sentence?

Here is “foreboding” used in a sentence: “A sense of foreboding settled over the crew before the storm hit.”

What part of speech is “foreboding”?

Depending on how it is used, “foreboding” can be a noun and an adjective.

How many meanings does “foreboding” have?

“Foreboding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong feeling that something bad is about to happen.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial