distasteful to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distasteful to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is unpleasant or offensive to someone. Example: "The comments made during the meeting were distasteful to many of the attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

American intrusiveness may seem distasteful to Europeans.

The Economist

He's creepy, unknowable, and distasteful to others.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Its sins were perhaps the least distasteful to creditors.

The Economist

The mere notion would have been very distasteful to her".

The New York Times

They're zombies because it's distasteful to shoot your neighbours".

The Guardian - Film

The embrace of Mr. Sankoh was distasteful to many.

The New York Times

FLAG-WAVING has long been distasteful to left-wingers in Britain.

The Economist

Well, I think it's distasteful to constantly trash other people's cultures or monuments.

The New Yorker

Müllerian mimicry can occur between two species that are distasteful to the same predators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The idea of a job was distasteful to a person like Armando, so he got out.

The New Yorker

"Any type of salaciousness is as distasteful to Mr. Lasky as it is to me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distasteful to", consider the level of formality required by your audience. While appropriate in most contexts, more formal settings might benefit from synonyms like "objectionable" or "unacceptable" for added precision.

Common error

Be mindful of the intensity implied by "distasteful to". While suitable for expressing general dislike, stronger terms like "repugnant" or "abhorrent" may be more fitting when conveying extreme aversion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distasteful to" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is unpleasant or offensive to a particular person or group. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distasteful to" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is unpleasant or offensive to someone. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. While it effectively conveys a sense of aversion, it's important to consider synonyms like "offensive to" or "objectionable to" to fine-tune the intensity and formality of your expression. Understanding these nuances will help you communicate your feelings with precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unpleasant for

Focuses on the disagreeable nature of something for someone, rather than a strong feeling of dislike.

objectionable to

Suggests that something gives rise to opposition or disapproval, but it is less intense than "distasteful to".

offensive to

Highlights the causing of hurt feelings, anger, or resentment. Implies a stronger negative reaction.

unsavory for

Focuses on the unpleasant or morally offensive nature of something, with less intensity than the original phrase.

repugnant to

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. It's a more intense synonym.

repulsive to

Emphasizes the causing of intense disgust; a strong synonym focused on eliciting revulsion.

abhorrent to

Signifies a feeling of repulsion or loathing. Suggests a deep moral objection.

loathsome to

Conveys intense dislike and disgust; it implies a very strong aversion.

unacceptable to

Implies that something does not meet the required standards. Less about personal feeling and more about objective criteria.

nauseating to

Highlights the triggering of nausea or disgust; emphasizes a physical reaction of revulsion.

FAQs

How can I use "distasteful to" in a sentence?

You can use "distasteful to" to express that something is unpleasant or offensive to someone. For example, "The idea of separate but equal is "distasteful to" me".

What can I say instead of "distasteful to"?

You can use alternatives like "unpleasant for", "offensive to", or "objectionable to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "distasteful to" or "distasteful for"?

"Distasteful to" is the correct and more common usage when indicating who finds something unpleasant. "Distasteful for" is less common but can be used to describe something unpleasant in a general sense, though "distasteful to" is still generally preferred.

What's the difference between "distasteful to" and "offensive to"?

"Distasteful to" generally implies a sense of personal dislike or aversion, whereas "offensive to" suggests that something violates norms or causes hurt feelings and anger. "Offensive" carries a stronger implication of causing harm or outrage.