distrust of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distrust of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of suspicion or a lack of belief in someone or something. For example, "She had a distrust of strangers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Distrust of America runs deep.

The Economist

A distrust of the government".

The New York Times - Health

Distrust of capitalism is widespread.

The Economist

So did distrust of the official media.

Independent

One is growing distrust of financial assets.

The Economist

Local distrust of national leaders runs deep.

The Economist

Mr Coolidge's hallmark was distrust of government.

The Economist

Distrust of government is still high.

The New York Times

· - Distrust of the over-researched book.

The Guardian - Books

By a complete distrust of everybody.

The Guardian - Books

The distrust of authority is the key.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, clarify the object of "distrust of". For example, instead of just "distrust of authority", specify "distrust of government authority".

Common error

Avoid using "distrust of" without specifying what is being distrusted. Vague statements lack clarity and impact. Instead of saying, "There is distrust," specify "There is distrust of the media".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distrust of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or acting as a complement. It expresses a negative sentiment towards a person, group, or concept, indicating a lack of confidence or belief. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distrust of" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of confidence or belief in someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, to convey skepticism or doubt. While "distrust of" and "mistrust of" are often interchangeable, it's important to specify the object of distrust for clarity. Consider alternatives like "lack of confidence in", "skepticism towards", or "suspicion of" to fine-tune your meaning. Remember to avoid overgeneralizations by clearly stating what is being distrusted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mistrust of

Direct synonym replacing distrust with mistrust.

lack of confidence in

Replaces "distrust" with "lack of confidence", focusing on the absence of positive belief.

skepticism towards

Emphasizes a questioning attitude rather than outright disbelief.

suspicion of

Highlights a feeling of doubt or mistrust without necessarily implying complete disbelief.

wariness of

Suggests caution and a lack of complete trust due to potential danger or deception.

cynicism about

Implies a belief that people are generally motivated by self-interest, leading to a lack of trust.

disbelief in

Focuses on the lack of faith or conviction in something.

reservation about

Indicates a feeling of doubt or hesitation about something, stemming from a lack of complete trust.

apprehension about

Conveys a sense of unease or anxiety regarding something, implying a lack of trust in its outcome.

unease regarding

Highlights a feeling of discomfort or anxiety, suggesting a lack of trust in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "distrust of" to express a lack of faith or confidence in someone or something. For example, "The public's "distrust of" politicians is growing" or "His "distrust of" modern medicine led him to seek alternative treatments."

What are some alternatives to "distrust of"?

Alternatives to "distrust of" include "lack of confidence in", "skepticism towards", "suspicion of", and "wariness of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "distrust of" or "mistrust of"?

"Distrust of" and "mistrust of" are largely synonymous and can often be used interchangeably. However, "mistrust" might imply a slightly stronger degree of suspicion or doubt.

What causes "distrust of" institutions like government or media?

"Distrust of" institutions can stem from various factors, including perceived corruption, lack of transparency, historical grievances, or a general sense that these institutions are not acting in the public's best interest.