dislike for

USAGE SUMMARY

"dislike for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a feeling of distaste or aversion for someone or something. For example, "He had an intense dislike for the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But dislike for BP should not be mistaken for dislike for oil.

The Economist

All the microbrewers present expressed dislike for standard U.S. beers.

The New Yorker

The two parties share a particular dislike for Mr McCrea.

The Economist

Mr. Putin reserves a particular dislike for Mr. Saakashvili.

The New York Times

The two presidents exude dislike for each other.

The Washington Post

Greeks have already registered their dislike for the package.

The Guardian

He also confesses a dislike for crowds of people.

The Guardian - Music

Senator Thompson did not hide his dislike for the program.

The New York Times

There's almost a vehemence in their dislike for President Bush".

The New York Times

"Or rather, that people struggle with dislike for me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There was a major dislike for Sharon," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dislike for", ensure that the object of dislike is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "dislike for modern architecture" rather than a general statement.

Common error

Avoid overusing "dislike for" in formal writing when a more nuanced term like "reservation about" or "concern regarding" might be more appropriate to convey a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dislike for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, expressing a feeling of aversion or distaste towards a specific object or concept. Ludwig indicates this is a correct and usable construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dislike for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express a feeling of aversion or distaste. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its frequency across diverse sources, particularly in news and media, underscores its versatility. While suitable for neutral contexts, more formal alternatives like "aversion to" may be preferred in professional settings. When using the phrase, ensure that the object of dislike is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distaste for

Emphasizes a lack of pleasure or satisfaction with something.

disapproval of

Indicates disagreement with or objection to something.

aversion to

Focuses more on a strong feeling of dislike or repugnance.

opposition to

Suggests active resistance or disagreement.

antipathy towards

Indicates a deep-seated feeling of aversion or opposition.

resentment towards

Implies bitterness or indignation at being treated unfairly.

a strong disinclination for

Highlights a reluctance or unwillingness to do or experience something.

hostility toward

Indicates open opposition or antagonism.

negative feelings toward

A more general way to express unfavorable sentiments.

lack of appreciation for

Suggests a failure to recognize the value or worth of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "dislike for" to express aversion or distaste. For example, "He has a strong dislike for overly sweet desserts" or "Her dislike for bureaucracy is well-known".

What's the difference between "dislike for" and "distaste for"?

"Dislike for" generally indicates a mild aversion, while "distaste for" suggests a stronger feeling of revulsion or displeasure. The choice depends on the intensity you wish to convey.

What can I say instead of "dislike for" to sound more formal?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "aversion to", "antipathy towards", or "lack of enthusiasm for".

Is it grammatically correct to say "dislike of" instead of "dislike for"?

While "dislike of" isn't inherently incorrect, "dislike for" is the more common and widely accepted prepositional pairing in contemporary English. Therefore, "dislike for" is often preferred for clarity and naturalness.