lousiest

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "lousiest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something as the worst in quality or performance among a group. Example: "That was the lousiest movie I've ever seen; I can't believe it got such high ratings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He considers these "one of the lousiest products your bank can offer you", with their limits on the frequency and size of withdrawals, and interest rates below the level of inflation.Few Germans are listening.

The Economist

It is striking, too, how Japanese carry out even the lousiest job as if it were the best.Predictability in social and public life makes Japanese cities the safest on Earth.

The Economist

I don't suppose I ought to say it about such a dear friend of yours, Fred, but she is the lousiest necktie-picker-out I ever saw.

The New Yorker

On Wednesday, March 4th, Chief Justice Roger Taney administered the oath of office to James Buchanan, who proceeded to deliver one of the lousiest inaugural addresses of all time.

The New Yorker

You are the lousiest supreme court in the history of the court and laziness is only your second worst fault.

The New Yorker

With no papers and scant education and English skills, few could walk away from even the lousiest jobs.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Hockey did do a lousy job of explaining budget 2014 and Morrison is doing a good job of explaining his pre-announced policies this year.

The Guardian

If I dislike someone, it is all but impossible to conceal the fact, which is why I made a lousy waitress.

The Guardian - Opinion

Isn't it time to give up on the whole lousy edifice?

The Guardian

3. The Welsh Captain describes Pistol as a "rascally, scald [scabby], beggarly, lousy, pragging [show-off] knave" in Henry 5. 4. Sebastian calls the Boatswain a "bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog" in The Tempest. 5. Kent says Oswald is a "knave, beggar, coward, pander [pimp], and the son and heir of a mongrel bitch" in King Lear.

The Guardian

They were interesting features, having a bigger screen, but the end result was a lousy product, because they were big and clunky," Ive noted when asked why it took Apple so long to follow the trend first set by Android smartphones with screens larger than 4in around the 4.7in to 5in mark.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lousiest" when you want to express strong disapproval or highlight the extremely poor quality of something, making your point more emphatic.

Common error

While "lousiest" is effective for conveying strong negativity, avoid using it in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "worst" or "least satisfactory" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "lousiest" functions as a superlative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is the worst of its kind. This use is supported by Ludwig's examples where it describes things like "products", "job", and "film".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lousiest" is a superlative adjective used to express that something is of the poorest quality or performance. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, primarily within news and media. While effective for conveying strong disapproval, it is best reserved for informal or neutral situations, and more neutral terms should be favored in formal or professional writing. When aiming for emphasis, "lousiest" can be useful, but always consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worst

Direct synonym, indicating the superlative of bad. This alternative is more common and widely used.

absolute worst

Emphasizes the complete lack of quality, leaving no room for comparison. Adds emphasis to the superlative form.

most awful

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant or terrible nature of something. This alternative focuses on causing disgust or horror.

most dreadful

Highlights the severe lack of quality or competence and focuses on inspiring fear or respect.

utterly terrible

Highlights the extreme unpleasantness or awfulness of something. This alternative is more emphatic.

most inferior

Focuses on the substandard or lower quality of something compared to others. This alternative emphasizes the lack of quality or merit.

exceptionally poor

Indicates that something is remarkably bad in quality or performance. This alternative emphasizes the degree of poorness.

most substandard

Describes something as being below the expected or required standard. This alternative is more technical and objective.

most deficient

Indicates a lack of something essential or necessary. This alternative specifically points out missing qualities or components.

completely inadequate

Focuses on the insufficiency or unsuitability of something for a particular purpose. This alternative emphasizes a lack of required qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "lousiest" in a sentence?

The word "lousiest" is used to describe something of extremely poor quality. For example: "That was the "lousiest performance" I have ever seen."

What are some alternatives to using "lousiest"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "worst", "most awful", or "most inferior" to express a similar sentiment.

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

The word "lousiest" is best suited for informal writing or when expressing a strong negative opinion. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

Is "lousiest" the same as "lousy"?

"Lousy" is an adjective meaning poor or bad. "Lousiest" is the superlative form, meaning the worst or poorest of all.