1 grievous | Definition of grievous

grievous

adjective
griev·​ous | \ ˈgrÄ“-vÉ™s How to pronounce grievous (audio) \

Definition of grievous

1 : causing or characterized by severe pain, suffering, or sorrow a grievous wound a grievous loss
2 : oppressive, onerous grievous costs of war
3 : serious, grave grievous fault

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Other Words from grievous

grievously adverb
grievousness noun

Examples of grievous in a Sentence

the grievous cost of war He took a foolish financial risk and suffered a grievous loss.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, more than a dozen years later, the idea that African Americans should receive restitution for the grievous legacy of enslavement and racial discrimination is sparking a political debate that is helping to shape the 2020 presidential race. Daniela Altimari, courant.com, "Reparations for slavery emerge as issue among Democrats running for president," 8 Aug. 2019 This exhibition allows us to get a sense of the achievements along the way—and the grievous difficulties that accompanied them. Edward Rothstein, WSJ, "‘Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality’ Review: A Nation’s Arc Toward Justice," 29 June 2019 The suspect was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, according to the Metropolitan Police. Fox News, "Man stabbed in the face outside Britain's Home Office, suspect arrested," 15 Aug. 2019 Another man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and is in custody at a police station, according to a statement from London's Metropolitan Police. NBC News, "Stabbing at Britain's Home Office sees one man with injuries, another in custody," 15 Aug. 2019 Men and women can struggle for centuries with the consequences of grievous wrongs. David French, National Review, "The South Is a Pro-Life Stronghold," 11 July 2019 Yet now an unpopular President may get away with acts at least as grievous as Nixon’s because the House will have evaded its constitutional duty. Sean Wilentz, The New Yorker, "Nancy Pelosi, Impeachment, and Places in History," 11 July 2019 The allegation led to a passionate debate about whether the situation was grievous enough to fit with others being made against men in the height of the #MeToo movement. Bill Keveney, USA TODAY, "Aziz Ansari lands Netflix special, marking biggest return since sexual misconduct allegation," 1 July 2019 Last month, 56-year-old John Dugdale walked into a police station and later pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm. Fox News, "Road rage attack victim says he wants to 'see the idiot who did this to me'," 25 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grievous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of grievous

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for grievous

see grieve

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More Definitions for grievous

grievous

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of grievous

formal : causing great sadness, suffering, or pain : very serious or severe

grievous

adjective
griev·​ous | \ ˈgrÄ“-vÉ™s How to pronounce grievous (audio) \

Kids Definition of grievous

1 : causing suffering or pain a grievous injury
2 : serious sense 2, grave a grievous error

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More from Merriam-Webster on grievous

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with grievous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for grievous

Spanish Central: Translation of grievous

Nglish: Translation of grievous for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of grievous for Arabic Speakers