repellent

USAGE SUMMARY

"repellent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means causing distaste or aversion, and is used to describe something that is unappealing or offensive. For example, "The rancid smell of the garbage was so repellent that it made everyone in the room nauseous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Security guards at Rothamsted Research called police on Sunday morning when an alarm was tripped around private land where scientists are growing a GM strain of wheat that produces a natural aphid repellent found in peppermint and other plants.

The Guardian

She knows what she is doing – although any grudging respect I had for Cyrus as a businesswoman evaporated when she turned on Sinéad O'Connor in such a repellent way.

The Guardian - Opinion

I know that people internalise these things differently and the character was repellent and on a spiral which was stripping him of his humanity.

The Guardian - Books

Like Channing Tatum, Efron has clocked that beefcake is best served with a side of irony: he's both gleefully repellent and improbably vulnerable as the dimwitted, near-sociopathic president of a party-hearty college fraternity who resolves to make life a living hell for the obliviously square thirtysomething couple (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) living next door.

The Guardian - Film

Bring repellent because the sand flies can be aggressive, especially after a rain shower, although the cottage owners spray the area regularly.

The Guardian - Travel

Such a character, both repellent and compelling, would help to illuminate some of the murky corners of this issue, which is one of fiction's great services to us all.

The Guardian - Opinion

She had to search the crevices of her sheets picking out individual slugs herself – the only support her landlord offered was insect repellent.

The Guardian

We've all seen the repellent and disgusting cartoon of Christiane Taubira (the black French justice minister portrayed as a monkey in the magazine) to which so many people object.

The Guardian

You'll need plenty of mosquito repellent.

The Guardian - Travel

The Canadians, for example, have decorated cigarette packets with repellent images of blackened gums and cancerous lungs.

The Economist

Health officials started fogging, distributing larvicide and bug repellent, and scouting for standing water.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "repellent", consider the intensity of the aversion you wish to convey. Choose synonyms like "repulsive" or "revolting" for stronger negative connotations.

Common error

While "repellent" is a valid word, it can sometimes sound overly dramatic in formal or professional settings. Opt for milder alternatives like "unpleasant" or "objectionable" when discussing sensitive topics to maintain a neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "repellent" functions primarily as an adjective, describing something that causes aversion or disgust. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as shown in numerous examples where it modifies nouns to convey a negative reaction or resistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Travel

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "repellent" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that causes aversion or disgust. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous examples shows that it is frequently used in news and media, with a neutral to formal register. While grammatically sound, consider the intensity of the aversion you want to convey and opt for synonyms like "repulsive" or "revolting" for stronger negative connotations or "unpleasant" or "objectionable" to ensure a professional tone. "Repellent" primarily functions to express a strong negative feeling, and is generally very common in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

repulsive

Indicates causing intense distaste or disgust.

revolting

Emphasizes the feeling of disgust to the point of wanting to vomit.

disgusting

A common and general term for something that causes strong dislike.

loathsome

Suggests something that inspires intense hatred or aversion.

abhorrent

Implies a feeling of repugnance and moral disgust.

distasteful

Indicates something unpleasant or disagreeable to one's taste.

offensive

Focuses on the upsetting or insulting nature of something.

unpleasant

A milder term for something that is not enjoyable or agreeable.

objectionable

Describes something that raises concerns or objections.

unattractive

Highlights a lack of physical or aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

How can I use "repellent" in a sentence?

"Repellent" can be used to describe something that causes strong aversion or disgust, such as "The smell was so repellent that I had to leave the room" or "His behavior was utterly repellent".

What words are similar to "repellent"?

Synonyms for "repellent" include "repulsive", "disgusting", "revolting", "loathsome", and "abhorrent", each carrying slightly different nuances of aversion.

Is it appropriate to use "repellent" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "repellent" can sometimes be perceived as too strong in formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "unpleasant" or "objectionable" for a more neutral tone, depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "repellent" and "repulsive"?

Both words describe causing aversion, but "repulsive" often suggests a more intense and immediate feeling of disgust, while "repellent" can also imply a more general quality of driving something away or being resistant to something.