Dreadful is one of the three failing grades, out of six grades overall, in the Ordinary Wizarding Levels, Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests and Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Tests. It is the second lowest mark, immediately below Poor and immediately above Troll.

Entering into N.E.W.T. Classes

If a student is given a "Dreadful" grade on their O.W.L test, they cannot continue on with that subject as a N.E.W.T. class. This is the same for the other failing grades: Poor and Troll.

Other Grades

Passing Grades

• O - Outstanding
• E - Exceeds Expectations
• A - Acceptable

Failing Grades

• P - Poor
• D - Dreadful
• T - Troll

Known Recipients

• Harry Potter
  • History of Magic O.W.L.

Appearances

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince