Dreaded describes something that causes fear or worry, or something you really don't want to happen. The dreaded math test is the one students have been nervously thinking about all week. A dreaded chore might be cleaning out the garage or weeding the garden on a hot day.

When something is dreaded, people feel anxious just thinking about it. A visit to the dentist might be dreaded by someone who doesn't like having their teeth examined. A dreaded storm is one that people fear might cause damage.

You might dread giving a speech in front of the whole class, or dread the last day of summer vacation. A dreaded moment is one you've been hoping wouldn't come.

Something dreaded isn't always truly dangerous. It's just something that makes people feel uneasy or anxious beforehand. Even small things, like a dreaded haircut or a dreaded conversation, can loom large in our minds.