The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TERRIBLE
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The straight part
We know that "Awful" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case awful = terrible.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TERRIBLE mean?
TERRIBLE adjective- Dreadful; causing terror, alarm and fear; awesome
- Formidable, powerful.
- Intense; extreme in degree or extent.
- Unpleasant; disagreeable.
- Very bad; lousy.
- In a terrible way; to a terrible extent; terribly; awfully.