abusive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "abusive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a type of language or behavior that is cruel, offensive, or violent. For example: "She was the victim of an abusive relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have on file cases of Britons recently imprisoned for crimes as relatively mild as abusive tweeting, poll-rigging, Boat Race obstructing, cathedral desecrating, job-application falsifying, expenses fiddling, urinatingon a war memorial, speeding-point switching, licence fee non-paying, and googling in court.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those people who have cooperated with elections have received abusive phonecalls, physical threats and in some cases have even been kidnapped.

The Guardian

It said: "My parents were abusive in every way imaginable − sexually, physically and emotionally.

The Guardian

Cowell wouldn't be bothered by the string of abusive reviews; he'd be used to that.

The Guardian - Film

And in any case, this man is using "sectioned" as a shorthand for wanting to stay in hospital – to be anywhere, in fact, other than his flat, with its bags of rubbish and abusive neighbours.

The Guardian

He had a very abusive and difficult relationship with his dad, he's going through a divorce, he's at the lowest ebb you could possibly find someone, he's kipping on friends' carpets, and yet if he can win a game of football, that's really what he was put on this earth to do.

The Guardian

Related: Chicagoans detail abusive confinement inside Homan Square police 'black site' The Chicago police department, in its only official statement on the swirling allegations, denied the Guardian's reporting on Tuesday, without giving specifics.

The Guardian

There is a satisfying immediacy in the saving of lives, the patching up of the bumped and bruised, even in the abusive, drunken chaos of a Saturday night waiting room.

The Guardian

There were four security officers in the room, cursing me and being verbally abusive.

The Guardian

Despite two years of revelations about abusive police spying, the British government has yet to launch a full public inquiry.

The Guardian - Opinion

Arms sales like these do not just provide military support for abusive regimes, they also send a clear sign of political support".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing specific incidents, use "abusive" with precise language to clarify the nature of the abuse, such as "verbally abusive" or "physically abusive".

Common error

Avoid using "abusive" as a catch-all term for negative behaviors. Be specific about the type of harm caused, whether it's emotional, physical, or verbal, to provide clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "abusive" functions to describe a noun as characterized by abuse, which can be physical, emotional, or verbal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, demonstrated in examples such as "abusive relationship" and "abusive language".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "abusive" is an adjective used to describe something characterized by abuse, whether it is a relationship, behavior, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage across numerous examples. It's crucial to be specific when using "abusive" to clearly convey the nature of the mistreatment, distinguishing between emotionally, verbally, or physically abusive scenarios. While the word itself maintains a neutral register, its implications are serious, underscoring the need for precise and informed usage in discussions related to harmful actions and situations. Examples are very common in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maltreating

Similar to mistreating, this term implies a more severe and ongoing pattern of ill-treatment.

harmful

This alternative focuses on the detrimental effects of the behavior, rather than the act itself.

mistreating

This alternative highlights the act of treating someone badly or unfairly.

offensive

This term emphasizes the insulting and disrespectful nature of the behavior.

injurious

This term focuses on the damaging or hurtful nature of the abuse.

exploitative

This emphasizes the aspect of taking unfair advantage of someone.

vituperative

This refers specifically to the use of strongly negative and abusive language.

bullying

This term specifically refers to aggressive behavior intended to intimidate or dominate.

scurrilous

This alternative describes the abuse as being vulgar and defamatory.

oppressive

This suggests a dominating and controlling form of abuse, often in a systemic context.

FAQs

How can I use "abusive" in a sentence?

You can use "abusive" to describe behavior, relationships, or systems that involve mistreatment or harm. For example: "The relationship was emotionally abusive", or "The system was abusive to its workers".

What are some synonyms for "abusive"?

Alternatives to "abusive" include "harmful", "offensive", "mistreating", or "exploitative", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "abusive" and "offensive"?

"Abusive" generally implies a pattern of harmful or mistreating behavior, while "offensive" refers to something that causes displeasure or insult. "Abusive" is often more severe and long-lasting.

What kind of relationships can be described as "abusive"?

Any relationship can be described as "abusive" if it involves a pattern of harmful behavior. This can include romantic relationships, family relationships, friendships, or even professional relationships. A key indicator is the presence of power imbalance and control by one party over another.