Negative:
* The food at the restaurant was dreadful, I couldn't even finish my meal.
* The weather was dreadful all weekend, it rained constantly.
* He had a dreadful feeling in his stomach, knowing what was coming.
Formal:
* The news of the accident was dreadful.
* Her performance was dreadful and received harsh criticism.
* The living conditions in the refugee camp were dreadful.
Figurative:
* The silence in the room was dreadful, filled with unspoken tension.
* She had a dreadful sense of loneliness after her family moved away.
Important Note: "Dreadful" is a strong word that implies something very bad or unpleasant. Choose it carefully, as it can be quite dramatic.