11 Ways to Say “That’s Terrible”

Have you ever heard bad news and wanted to respond with sympathy or shock? Saying “That’s terrible” is a common and caring way to react in English. In this lesson, you’ll learn 11 natural, real-life expressions you can use to show you care—whether you’re talking to a friend, coworker, or stranger.

Common Ways to Say “That’s Terrible”

Polite & Sympathetic

1. That’s awful.
   Use this to show concern in a gentle way. It’s common in both spoken and written English.
   Example: “My dog ran away last night.” — “Oh no, that’s awful!”
2. That’s so sad.
   Perfect when you feel emotional about someone’s situation.
   Example: “She lost her job last week.” — “That’s so sad. I hope she finds something soon.”
3. I’m so sorry to hear that.
   A warm, polite phrase that works in almost any situation.
   Example: “My flight got canceled.” — “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
4. How terrible!
   A slightly more formal way to express shock or dismay.
   Example: “There was a fire at the school.” — “How terrible!”

Casual & Conversational

1. That sucks.
   Very common in informal US English—but avoid in formal or professional settings.
   Example: “I failed my driving test again.” — “Man, that sucks.”
2. That’s rough.
   A laid-back way to show empathy without sounding too dramatic.
   Example: “I have to work all weekend.” — “Yeah, that’s rough.”
3. Oh no!
   Short, natural, and full of feeling—great for quick reactions.
   Example: “I dropped my phone in the toilet.” — “Oh no!”
4. Bummer!
   A friendly, slightly playful way to acknowledge disappointment.
   Example: “The concert got canceled.” — “Bummer!”

Strong Reactions

1. That’s horrible!
   Use this when something is truly shocking or upsetting.
   Example: “They raised rent by 50%.” — “That’s horrible!”
2. That’s devastating.
   For serious, heartbreaking news—often used in news or deep conversations.
   Example: “Her entire village was flooded.” — “That’s devastating.”
3. I can’t believe that happened.
   Shows disbelief and concern; works well after hearing shocking news.
   Example: “He got scammed out of $10,000.” — “I can’t believe that happened.”

Real-Life Dialogues

Aisha: I just found out my cat has to have surgery.
Ben: Oh no! That’s awful. Is she going to be okay?

Carlos: My laptop crashed and I lost all my schoolwork.
Dana: That sucks! Did you have any backups?
Carlos: No… total bummer.

Elena: The power’s been out for three days because of the storm.
Finn: That’s horrible! How are you managing?
Elena: It’s been really tough.

Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase

Situation	Recommended Expression	Why?
Talking to a coworker	“That’s awful” or “I’m so sorry to hear that”	Professional and kind
Chatting with friends	“That sucks” or “Bummer!”	Relaxed and natural
Hearing serious news	“That’s devastating” or “I can’t believe that happened”	Shows deep empathy

Why This Matters

• Showing empathy helps build stronger friendships and professional relationships in English-speaking environments.
• Using the right tone—casual, polite, or strong—makes your reactions sound natural and appropriate.
• These phrases are common in daily conversations, customer service, and even job interviews when discussing challenges.

Now that you know 11 ways to say “That’s terrible,” try using them in your next conversation! Whether you’re texting a friend or responding to news at work, these expressions will help you connect with others in a caring and natural way. Keep practicing, and soon these phrases will feel like second nature. Happy learning! 😊