disdain for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disdain for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of contempt or lack of respect for someone or something. Example: "Her disdain for the outdated policies was evident during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Also the disdain for political dealmaking.

The New Yorker

He may even harbor disdain for it.

The New Yorker

Some guides express disdain for Chinese socialism.

The Economist

"It's a disdain for security".

The New York Times

In Australia, they have disdain for fame.

The New York Times

Osama's disdain for Saddam still gleamed through.

The New York Times

His disdain for necrology is legend.

The Guardian - Books

He expressed disdain for the Palestinian Authority.

The New York Times

I have disdain for the artistic temperament.

The New York Times

A disdain for corporations is not new.

The New York Times

The manifest disdain for facts and evidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disdain for", ensure that the context clearly establishes the object of disdain. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "disdain for" when you actually mean a lack of interest or concern. Disdain implies a strong feeling of contempt, which is different from simply not caring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disdain for" functions as a noun phrase followed by a preposition, typically acting as a complement to a verb or adjective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase expresses a strong feeling of contempt or lack of respect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "disdain for" effectively conveys a strong feeling of contempt or lack of respect, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically sound and sees frequent use, especially in news and media. While adaptable to different contexts, its usage is more common in professional than very casual settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the object of disdain. Alternatives such as "contempt for" and "scorn for" offer similar, yet nuanced, expressions of disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contempt for

Indicates a feeling of deep disapproval and dislike, very similar to disdain but can be stronger.

scorn for

Suggests a feeling of contempt mixed with a sense of superiority.

antipathy toward

Implies a deep-seated dislike or aversion.

aversion to

Indicates a strong dislike and a desire to avoid something.

repugnance for

Conveys a feeling of intense disgust or aversion.

loathing of

Expresses intense hatred and disgust.

detestation of

Indicates a strong and intense dislike.

dislike of

A milder form, simply indicating a lack of preference.

indifference to

Suggests a lack of interest or concern, rather than active dislike.

lack of respect for

Focuses on the absence of positive regard, without necessarily implying active contempt.

FAQs

How can I use "disdain for" in a sentence?

You can use "disdain for" to express a strong feeling of contempt or lack of respect. For example, "She has a deep disdain for political corruption."

What's the difference between "disdain for" and "disregard for"?

"Disdain for" implies a feeling of contempt and superiority, while "disregard for" suggests a lack of attention or importance given to something.

What are some synonyms for "disdain for"?

Synonyms for "disdain for" include "contempt for", "scorn for", and "aversion to".

Is "disdain for" formal or informal?

"Disdain for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it carries a strong negative connotation. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing.