loathing for

USAGE SUMMARY

"loathing for" is correct and is a common phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean a strong dislike or intense hatred for something. For example: He had an intense loathing for her husband's wealthy lifestyle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They share a loathing for artificial flowers.

The Guardian - Film

It's hard to work up a lather of loathing for the likable lad from Northern Ireland.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1980, he endorsed Ronald Reagan, a perversity motivated by his loathing for Jimmy Carter.

The New Yorker

He talked openly about his loathing for the game, and for himself.

The New Yorker

But I think he's also been driven to the center by his loathing for Ted Cruz.

The New York Times

Queeney's loathing for Hester is all the more compelling for having no single identifiable cause.

The New Yorker

I share every civilized person's disdain for Prussian militarism and loathing for National Socialism.

The New York Times

The irony is that West Branch would have been a place of loathing for Guthrie.

The Guardian

It represents our guts, our idealism, our loathing for cookie-cutter living.

The New York Times

Each December, I write a festive rant about my loathing for Top Ten lists.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She was bitter about the senselessness of the calamity and consumed with self-loathing for her handicaps.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loathing for" when you want to convey a strong feeling of dislike or disgust towards something specific. It's more intense than a simple dislike and implies a deep-seated aversion.

Common error

While "loathing for" is a powerful phrase, it might be too strong for professional or academic writing. Consider using milder alternatives like "dislike of", "aversion to", or "antipathy toward" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loathing for" functions as a prepositional phrase expressing a strong negative emotion. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the object of intense dislike, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loathing for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express intense dislike or disgust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common phrase in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, it effectively communicates a strong negative emotion. While alternatives like "dislike of" or "aversion to" exist for milder contexts, "loathing for" is the phrase of choice when conveying deep-seated aversion. Its versatility allows for usage across various writing styles, although caution is advised in overly formal settings where it might be too strong.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detestation of

Implies a deep and vehement hatred, nearly perfectly interchangeable.

abhorrence of

This phrase suggests a strong feeling of repugnance and disgust, similar to loathing, but can imply a moral dimension.

revulsion at

Highlights the physical or emotional reaction of disgust.

repugnance for

Emphasizes the repulsive nature of the object of dislike.

hatred of

A straightforward expression of intense dislike.

disgust for

Focuses on the feeling of revulsion and distaste.

antipathy toward

Suggests a natural or inherent dislike, less intense than loathing.

disdain for

Similar to contempt, implying a lack of respect.

contempt for

Suggests a feeling of superiority and disdain.

aversion to

A softer expression indicating a disinclination or mild dislike.

FAQs

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

You can use "loathing for" to express a strong feeling of dislike or disgust. For example, "He felt a deep loathing for the corrupt politicians."

What's the difference between "loathing for" and "dislike of"?

"Loathing for" expresses a much stronger and more intense feeling of aversion than "dislike of". It implies a deep-seated disgust or hatred.

What are some alternatives to "loathing for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "abhorrence of", "aversion to", or "detestation of".

Is "loathing for" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "loathing for" can be too strong for some formal contexts. Consider using a milder term like "disdain for" or "antipathy toward" to maintain a more neutral tone.