loathsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loathsome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is highly offensive, disgusting, or repulsive. Example: "The loathsome behavior of the bully made everyone uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lahiri is way too witty to be an actual ditz (see her failed romance with a skater bro, guest star Timothy Olyphant: "My body is very attracted to your body but when you speak, my brain gets angry"), and too optimistically hopeful to be truly loathsome.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The countryside always looks loathsome, in an undescribed kind of way.

The Guardian - Arts

Iris Robinson, a former DUP MP and the wife of the party's leader, described homosexuality as "disgusting, loathsome, nauseating, wicked and vile", as well as an "abomination" that could be "cured".

The Guardian - Opinion

Jihadist militancy has a record of evolving for the worse, and the especially loathsome tactics of Islamic State may inject a new radicalism into Pakistan's already ferocious militant groups.

The Economist

Israel's prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, denounced the murder as "loathsome" and called on all sides "not to take the law into their own hands".

The Economist

Mr Diamond thinks this idea is "loathsome and wrong".

The Economist

HOWEVER loathsome his neighbours find Kim Jong Il, the nuclear-armed North Korean dictator, most admit that beneath the big hair lurks the mind of a tactical genius with a flair for survival.

The Economist

There had always been those who found smoking "loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs," as James I put it in 1604.

The Economist

Perhaps that breakfast is a good metaphor; some people, not happy with saying "Ulysses" is not to their taste, must pronounce it loathsome.

The Economist

Instead of spending a loathsome afternoon with a salesman, customers of Auto-by-Tel, the leading Internet car-buying service, simply tell the service what kind of car they want, and wait for nearby dealerships to make their best offer.

The Economist

"FEW countries have ended up with a planning system as loathsome as ours," says Tony Travers, a planning expert at the London School of Economics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey; "loathsome" is a strong word and should be reserved for truly objectionable subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "loathsome" when a milder term like "unpleasant" or "disagreeable" would suffice. Overusing strong words diminishes their impact.

Linguistic Context

The word "loathsome" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that evokes intense disgust, aversion, or moral reprehensibility. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. For example, "the loathsome tactics of Islamic State".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "loathsome" is a powerful descriptor used to express intense disgust or aversion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While it effectively conveys strong negative sentiment, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider milder alternatives like "unpleasant" or "disagreeable" in less severe contexts. Alternatives such as "repugnant", "detestable", and "abhorrent" offer nuanced ways to express similar feelings. Ultimately, understanding the intensity and appropriate contexts for "loathsome" ensures its effective use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repugnant

Emphasizes causing intense distaste or aversion.

detestable

Highlights the feeling of being intensely disliked or hated.

abhorrent

Focuses on inspiring disgust and repulsion.

despicable

Indicates something worthy of contempt or disdain.

odious

Stresses the unpleasant and repulsive nature.

vile

Highlights the morally reprehensible and unpleasant aspects.

revolting

Focuses on causing strong disgust or revulsion.

disgusting

Directly expresses causing a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval.

offensive

Emphasizes causing displeasure or resentment.

repulsive

Focuses on causing intense distaste or aversion, often physically.

FAQs

How can I use "loathsome" in a sentence?

"Loathsome" is an adjective used to describe something that is extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or offensive. For example: "The "loathsome behavior" of the bully made everyone uncomfortable."

What are some alternatives to "loathsome"?

Alternatives to "loathsome" include "repugnant", "detestable", "abhorrent", "vile", and "disgusting". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "loathsome" in writing?

Use "loathsome" when you want to express a strong feeling of disgust or aversion. It is suitable for describing actions, behaviors, or things that are morally or aesthetically repulsive.

What is the difference between "loathsome" and "disagreeable"?

"Loathsome" expresses a much stronger negative feeling than "disagreeable". "Disagreeable" simply means unpleasant or not to one's liking, while "loathsome" implies intense disgust or hatred.