scathing look

USAGE SUMMARY

"scathing look" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a facial expression that conveys anger, disdain, or contempt. Here is an example of how it can be used in a sentence: "She gave her coworker a scathing look when he made a rude comment during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Nonetheless, the film, a scathing look at bankers' greed, received $10 million in tax credits, according to 20th Century Fox.

The New York Times

When Vice-President Biden publicly mocked Roberts about his gaffe at a ceremony shortly after the Inauguration, Obama shot him a scathing look of rebuke.

The New Yorker

To 6 October Clybourne Park Wyndham's Theatre, London Bruce Norris's scathing look at racism in America has been feted by critics and showered with awards.

Independent

Nevertheless, its scathing look inside the fashion world places it among a budding genre of gossipy, fictionalized exposés of the ateliers and glossy bibles of fashion.

The New York Times - Style

He read one of mine and, with a scathing look, told me he didn't understand it and perhaps I should try again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She was never one to shy away from an attack — while she and Pauline Kael were colleagues, she wrote a fiercely critical review of Kael's collected pieces, and one of Adler's more recent books, "Gone: The Last Days of The New Yorker," offers a rather scathing look at her time here.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

You also gave scathing looks to anyone who asked "What are you meant to be?" Because, obviously, you were an author.

The Guardian

At one of her first weddings, she received scathing looks when she dared to eat a shrimp ("After that, I made a policy not to eat"), and she was once escorted off the premises after she asked what she thought was an innocuous question — something along the lines of "What did he see in her?"— but one that the irate bridesmaids found to be unforgivable.

The New York Times

It's another scathing, willfully savage look at the dreamers and schemers and would-be players in that modern day Sodom and Gomorrah: one part "Day of the Locust," one part "Entertainment Tonight" and two parts "Hollywood Babylon," shaken, stirred and served icy cold with lots of hot sauce.

The New York Times - Books

But I am famously tactless; it probably looked scathing.

The Guardian - Books

Crudup looks mildly scathing.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scathing look" to vividly depict a character's strong disapproval or contempt without explicitly stating their feelings. This enhances the narrative's emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "scathing look" for mild disapproval. It implies a significant level of anger, contempt, or disgust. Opt for milder terms like "disapproving glance" or "critical gaze" for less intense scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scathing look" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "give a scathing look") or as a descriptive element adding detail to a character or situation. It describes the manner of looking and thus, often modifies a verb. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scathing look" is a powerful way to convey intense disapproval or contempt without using words. It's grammatically correct and recognized by Ludwig AI as a standard English expression. While not extremely common, it is frequently found in news and media, adding a vivid emotional dimension to descriptions. When using "scathing look", ensure the intensity matches the situation, and consider alternatives like "withering glance" or "disapproving glare" for nuanced meanings. Mastering this phrase enhances your ability to paint compelling emotional landscapes in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withering glance

This alternative suggests a look that is powerfully critical and intended to diminish or humiliate.

disapproving glare

This alternative emphasizes disapproval conveyed through a direct, intense gaze.

a look of utter contempt

This alternative emphasizes the intensity of contempt conveyed through a single look.

contemptuous stare

This alternative highlights the feeling of contempt or disdain expressed through a prolonged look.

reproachful gaze

This alternative focuses on the act of expressing blame or disapproval through the look.

piercing gaze of disapproval

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and negative judgment conveyed in the look.

icy stare

This alternative emphasizes the cold, emotionless disapproval conveyed in the look.

disdainful expression

This alternative shifts from the act of looking to the overall facial expression conveying disdain.

hostile gaze

This alternative conveys a sense of antagonism or aggression in the look.

a look that could kill

This alternative exaggerates the intensity of the look to comedic or dramatic effect.

FAQs

How can I use "scathing look" in a sentence?

You can use "scathing look" to describe someone expressing strong disapproval or contempt nonverbally. For example: "She gave her opponent a "scathing look" after he misrepresented her position."

What can I say instead of "scathing look"?

Alternatives include "disapproving glare", "withering glance", or "contemptuous stare", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scathing look" in formal writing?

Yes, "scathing look" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to strongly convey disapproval or contempt. It is more impactful than simply stating that someone disapproved.

What's the difference between "scathing look" and "critical look"?

A "critical look" implies judgment and evaluation, while a "scathing look" suggests intense disapproval and contempt. The latter carries a stronger negative emotional charge.