adj.1. a. Experiencing fear; frightened: fearful about losing one's job; fearful of a scornful response.
b. Inclined to feel anxiety or apprehension; timid; nervous.
c. Indicating anxiety or fear: "Sare faltered, a fearful look clouding her face" (Donna Morrisey).
2. Causing or capable of causing fear; frightening: a fearful howling.
3. Extreme, as in degree or extent. Used especially of something negative: a fearful blunder; fearful poverty.