dislike

USAGE SUMMARY

'dislike' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'dislike' whenever you want to express disapproval or negative feelings about something. For example: "I have a strong dislike for people who are not punctual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In New Hampshire, he faces at least four major candidates: Santorum, Ron Paul, who came a close third in Iowa, and Newt Gingrich, who trailed in fourth place and has an intense dislike of Romney, and Jon Huntsman, who did not compete in Iowa.

The Guardian

Compared with the 1960s and 1970s, when Enoch Powell was exploiting dislike of Caribbean immigrants in particular, the passage of time and the accumulation of personal contacts have changed our attitudes.

The Guardian - Opinion

A lot of critics dislike the professionalisation of creative writing.

The Guardian - Books

That's possible - those types of viewers typically claim to dislike excess confrontation in politics, and what made Romney effective was that his aggression was restrained and respectful - but ultimately, Americans, their claims to the contrary notwithstanding, respond viscerally to alpha dominance in their political leaders.

The Guardian

If I dislike someone, it is all but impossible to conceal the fact, which is why I made a lousy waitress.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fact that LA scored highest was a particular bone of contention for those who feel an intense dislike for the City of Angels, while others questioned the non-appearance of Hong Kong, Monaco and more.

The Guardian

As many of us are heading back to work after the Christmas break, the reality of dealing with co-workers you dislike and tasks you detest can seem like an unnecessarily cruel jolt of reality.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ever since London was attacked, the right have used it as a vehicle for their dislike of multiculturalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Troubling for Labour, tricky for some Tories and a potential disaster for many Lib Dems: there is something for every English MP to dislike in the draft constituency boundary changes.

The Guardian

People are overt in their dislike of my profession, but I must politely refute a worrying amount of misinformation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using stronger synonyms like "aversion" or "antipathy" to convey a more impactful sense of "dislike".

Common error

In academic or professional contexts, avoid relying heavily on the word "dislike". Opt for more precise and nuanced terms that better reflect the specific type and degree of aversion you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The word "dislike" functions primarily as a verb to express a feeling of aversion or disapproval towards something. It can also function as a noun, referring to the feeling itself. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Opinion

19%

Sport

9%

Less common in

Lifestyle

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "dislike" is a versatile word functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to express aversion or disapproval. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it sees frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, opinions, and sports reporting. While acceptable in most settings, more formal synonyms like "aversion" or "antipathy" may be preferred in academic or professional writing. Remember to use "dislike" to communicate your feelings, opinions, or attitudes. While seemingly straightforward, understanding its nuances and choosing appropriate synonyms can significantly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Aversion to

Indicates a strong feeling of dislike and a desire to avoid something.

Antipathy towards

Indicates a deep-seated feeling of aversion or dislike.

Distaste for

Suggests a feeling of disapproval mixed with dislike.

Lack of enthusiasm for

Indicates a moderate level of disinterest or mild dislike.

Negative reaction to

Focuses on the adverse response to something, implying a dislike.

Unfavorable view of

Expresses a negative opinion or judgment, indicating a dislike.

Disinclination towards

Suggests a reluctance or unwillingness due to a lack of liking.

Not a fan of

An informal way to express a mild dislike or lack of preference.

Indifference to

Implies a lack of interest or concern, which can stem from dislike.

Finding unacceptable

Highlights the rejection of something, often because it is disliked.

FAQs

How can I use "dislike" in a sentence?

You can use "dislike" as a verb to express a feeling of aversion towards something, such as "I dislike crowded places". It can also be used as a noun to refer to the feeling itself, as in "He has a strong dislike for coffee".

What are some common synonyms for "dislike"?

Common synonyms for "dislike" include "hate", "detest", "loathe", "aversion", and "antipathy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "I dislike" or "I don't like"?

Both "I dislike" and "I don't like" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Dislike" is slightly more formal than "don't like", but the difference is minimal.

What's the difference between "dislike" and "hate"?

"Dislike" indicates a feeling of aversion or mild disapproval, while "hate" expresses a much stronger and more intense feeling of aversion or animosity. "Hate" suggests a deep-seated and often irrational feeling, whereas "dislike" is generally more rational and less intense.