distasteful

USAGE SUMMARY

"distasteful" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to express an opinion of something that is unpleasant or offensive. Example sentence: I thought the movie was distasteful because of its excessive violence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In matters of public education, which the religious right finds distasteful along moral lines, "they're already more than halfway there".

The Guardian

The government of Sri Lanka decided to accept this "gesture of goodwill" and to not "pursue this distasteful issue any further", while carefully ignoring additional inclusions in the statement that "numerous cases of rape and sexual violence in Sri Lanka, particularly acts committed against women held in detention by the government", have been detailed in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it has been roundly condemned by civil libertarians and welfare advocates, who have labelled the project distasteful and demoralising.

The Guardian

It is a "distasteful issue" that the Sri Lankan government, the armed forces, indeed all of us Sri Lankans, need to confront and condemn.

The Guardian - Opinion

However distasteful the racist and anti-immigration voices, they must be included in the national debate.

The Guardian

Britain's phone-hacking affair was distasteful and illegal, but hardly a hanging offence.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were waterboarding at will and waging wars in the name of freedom, which I found incredibly distasteful.

The Guardian - Music

Ron Paul's New Hampshire campaign immediately disowned the ad: The video was utterly distasteful and no one who actually supports Dr Paul's principles would have made it.

The Guardian

GTAV might be distasteful, but it's necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am shocked that such a distasteful article should have appeared.

The Guardian

He also expresses dismay about two aspects of the politics of England he finds very difficult to swallow – not least, the rise of Ukip, something so distasteful that he can barely find words to talk about it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distasteful" when you want to express a strong feeling of dislike or disapproval, especially towards something considered morally or aesthetically unappealing. Be mindful of your audience, as the term can be quite strong.

Common error

Avoid using "distasteful" too frequently in your writing. While effective, its strong negative connotation can make your tone seem overly critical or judgmental. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "unpleasant", "offensive", or "objectionable" to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The word "distasteful" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as unpleasant, offensive, or morally repugnant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "distasteful" is a versatile adjective used to express strong dislike or disapproval. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, predominantly in news, formal business, and to some extent science. Its function is to convey a negative judgment, often implying moral or aesthetic offense. When writing, consider synonyms like "unpleasant" or "offensive" to avoid overuse. While "distasteful" is a potent descriptor, it's crucial to use it judiciously to maintain a balanced and nuanced tone in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant

This alternative is more general and less intense in its negativity.

offensive

This alternative emphasizes the potential to cause hurt feelings or moral outrage.

repugnant

This alternative suggests a strong feeling of disgust or aversion.

revolting

This alternative implies a feeling of intense disgust, often physically.

objectionable

This alternative indicates something that is likely to be opposed or disapproved of.

unsavory

This alternative suggests something morally dubious or unpleasant.

disagreeable

This alternative is a milder way to express that something is not pleasant.

unpalatable

This alternative often refers to information or situations that are difficult to accept.

nauseating

This alternative implies a feeling of sickness or revulsion.

odious

This alternative suggests something extremely unpleasant and repulsive.

FAQs

How can I use "distasteful" in a sentence?

You can use "distasteful" to describe something you find unpleasant or offensive, such as "I found the movie's violence particularly distasteful" or "His behavior at the party was quite distasteful".

What are some synonyms for "distasteful"?

Alternatives to "distasteful" include "unpleasant", "offensive", "repugnant", "revolting", and "objectionable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the word "distasteful"?

"Distasteful" is appropriate when you want to express a strong negative reaction to something. It's suitable for describing things that are not only unpleasant but also morally or aesthetically offensive.

What is the difference between "distasteful" and "unpleasant"?

"Distasteful" implies a stronger, more intense feeling of dislike than "unpleasant". Something that is "distasteful" is not just unappealing; it's often morally or aesthetically offensive, whereas "unpleasant" simply means not enjoyable or agreeable.