dislike of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dislike of" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "I find it hard to understand the public's dislike of broccoli."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A dislike of professional politicians?

The New Yorker

Mentions her dislike of "The Graduate".

The New Yorker

I have a radical dislike of radicals".

The New Yorker

Mantel has the novelist's dislike of asceticism.

The New Yorker

Or, more accurately, his dislike of it.

The Guardian

Limonov's dislike of the west is mutual.

The Guardian

Her dislike of Nicolas Sarkozy runs deep.

The Guardian

We have a dislike of extremism".

The Guardian

I have a profound dislike of activism.

The Guardian

But their intense dislike of him may be outweighed by their even greater dislike of Obama.

The Guardian

The writer's explanation for his fear and dislike of horses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dislike of", ensure the object of dislike is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "a general dislike", specify "a dislike of crowded places".

Common error

Avoid using "dislike of" without specifying the object of dislike. Saying "I have a dislike" is vague; clarify with "I have a dislike of overly sweet desserts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dislike of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes a feeling of aversion or a lack of preference. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dislike of" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying aversion or a lack of preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While synonyms like "aversion to" and "antipathy toward" exist, "dislike of" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the object of dislike, and avoid overgeneralizations. Overall, "dislike of" is a reliable and effective way to express a negative sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aversion to

Indicates a strong feeling of dislike or disinclination, emphasizing the emotional response.

distaste for

Implies a mild dislike or disapproval, often related to matters of taste or preference.

antipathy toward

Suggests a deep-seated feeling of aversion or opposition, often based on principle or ideology.

disapproval of

Expresses a negative judgment or condemnation, often from a position of authority or moral stance.

disinclination towards

Indicates a reluctance or unwillingness to engage with something, emphasizing a lack of motivation.

contempt for

Implies a strong feeling of disrespect or disdain, often directed towards something considered inferior or worthless.

opposition to

Highlights resistance or disagreement, focusing on a more active stance against something.

rejection of

Highlights a deliberate refusal to accept or endorse something, emphasizing a conscious choice.

lack of enthusiasm for

Conveys a neutral or indifferent attitude, indicating an absence of positive interest.

resentment of

Suggests bitterness or indignation caused by a perceived wrong or injustice, adding an emotional layer.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "dislike of"?

Alternatives to "dislike of" include "aversion to", "antipathy toward", or "distaste for", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

You can use "dislike of" to express a general feeling of aversion, such as, "His dislike of bureaucracy was well-known" or "Her dislike of early mornings made weekdays difficult".

Is "dislike of" formal or informal?

"Dislike of" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "dislike of" and "disapproval of"?

"Dislike of" expresses a personal aversion or lack of enjoyment, while "disapproval of" suggests a moral or ethical judgment. For example, one might have a "dislike of" horror movies, but express "disapproval of" dishonesty.