an object of scorn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an object of scorn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is widely criticized or ridiculed by others. Example: "After the scandal, he became an object of scorn in the community, with many people openly expressing their disdain for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

When did the coffee-table book become an object of scorn?

Princeton University

He calls the work "a wilful romance with an object of scorn".

The Guardian - Music

She became an icon of hope for refugees and an object of scorn for populists.

The New York Times

��� and made him an object of scorn among the many targets of these investigations.

The New York Times

But Iraq, the central government is an object of scorn and ridicule.

The New York Times

For decades, the football team has been at best a punch line and at worst an object of scorn.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Such judgments are especially common within classical music, where Cage, who died in 1992, remains an object of widespread scorn.

The New Yorker

Democrats moved quickly to portray the Nobel as an honor to the United States after years of being an object of some scorn.

The New York Times

But as India's clamorous politics have steadily fragmented with a proliferation of political parties, the shutdown strike, known as a bandh, has increasingly become an object of public scorn and disillusionment.

The New York Times

Mr. Blankfein's remarkable and controversial success in guiding Goldman through the financial crisis, punctuated by his claims that Goldman was doing "God's work," made him an object of public scorn.

The New York Times

And while American Jews remember her with pride and fondness (she spent her girlhood in Milwaukee and spoke a disarming Midwestern English of pinched nasal vowels), Meir has remained an object of some scorn in Israel.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an object of scorn" when you want to convey that someone or something is widely disliked and ridiculed. This phrase is effective for highlighting the intensity of negative public opinion or sentiment.

Common error

While "an object of scorn" is acceptable, avoid overuse in overly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "a figure of disapproval" or "a subject of criticism" for a more nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an object of scorn" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a person or thing that is the recipient of widespread disapproval and contempt. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an object of scorn" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something that is widely disliked and ridiculed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's commonly found in News & Media and Academia, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "a figure of ridicule" and "a target of contempt", offering similar but nuanced meanings. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with the strong negative sentiment it conveys, avoiding overuse in excessively formal writing to maintain appropriate tone. The phrase’s prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its established usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a figure of ridicule

Focuses on the act of being mocked, rather than just disliked.

a laughingstock

Implies widespread and public mockery.

a target of contempt

Highlights the feeling of deep disapproval and disrespect.

a person held in contempt

Similar to 'a target of contempt', but emphasizes the personal aspect.

a source of derision

Emphasizes the act of expressing ridicule and mockery.

a thing despised

Broader term, indicating strong dislike and aversion.

an abomination

Suggests a feeling of disgust and revulsion.

a pariah

Highlights social ostracism and exclusion.

someone to be shunned

Focuses on the act of avoiding someone due to disapproval.

an outcast

Suggests social rejection and isolation.

FAQs

How can I use "an object of scorn" in a sentence?

You can use "an object of scorn" to describe someone or something that is widely disliked and ridiculed. For example: "After the scandal, the politician became "an object of scorn"."

What are some synonyms for "an object of scorn"?

Alternatives to "an object of scorn" include "a figure of ridicule", "a laughingstock", or "a target of contempt", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the object of scorn" instead of "an object of scorn"?

While grammatically possible, "the object of scorn" implies a specific, already identified entity. "An object of scorn" is more general and introduces the subject as one among potentially many.

What's the difference between "an object of scorn" and "an object of ridicule"?

"An object of scorn" suggests strong dislike and contempt, while "an object of ridicule" focuses more on being mocked and laughed at. Scorn implies a deeper level of negativity.