utmost contempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utmost contempt" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the highest level of disdain or disrespect towards someone or something. Example: "The committee expressed their utmost contempt for the unethical practices of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The relatives assembled under his roof treat him with the utmost contempt.

The Guardian - Books

Angry now, I attempted to say that I was in fact quite used to pain, that a childhood of lumbar punctures and sometimes agonising physical rehab had seen to that, but he surveyed me with an expression of utmost contempt.

The Guardian

… They spurn with the utmost contempt those traitors in the north who would sell themselves and their posterity to a relentless foe that would reduce them and us to be mere vassals to a set of aristocratic slave holders and traders in human flesh whose vital principle is the few to dictate, the mass to serve.

The New York Times

Whenever I forget for a moment that there are still men in this society who hold women in the utmost contempt, who strive to diminish and belittle us, it is never be too long before some disgusting example of sexist behaviour turns up to remind me.

The Guardian - Opinion

This you have done before, and now treat it with the utmost contempt.

University of Chicago

But for the villainous, serpent-like, slimy imps of hell that run the newspapers, I have the utmost contempt".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

They deserve the utmost scorn.

BBC

Justice Minister Christiane Taubira said words of hatred and contempt had to be fought with the "utmost vigour".

BBC

Not contempt.

The New Yorker

Beneath Contempt.

The New Yorker

Contempt replaces community.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utmost contempt" to express a strong feeling of disrespect or disdain. Ensure the context warrants such a forceful emotion; consider the audience and purpose of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "utmost contempt" in situations that only require mild disapproval or disagreement. This phrase is best reserved for expressing intense negative feelings towards serious matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utmost contempt" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It expresses a high degree of disdain or disrespect. Ludwig AI examples show it modifying verbs like treat, spurn, hold, and deserve.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

36%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utmost contempt" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to convey a strong feeling of disdain or disrespect. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that the phrase is more frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts. When writing, it's crucial to reserve this phrase for situations where the intensity of negative feeling is warranted. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, writers should carefully consider the tone and audience when employing this forceful expression, perhaps considering alternatives such as "deepest scorn" or "extreme disdain" for different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmitigated contempt

Emphasizes that the contempt is not lessened or softened in any way.

deepest scorn

Emphasizes a profound feeling of rejection and disapproval.

extreme disdain

Highlights the intensity of the feeling, suggesting a strong sense of superiority.

utter revulsion

Focuses on a feeling of disgust and aversion.

complete loathing

Indicates a total lack of affection or liking.

intense antipathy

Suggests a deep-seated aversion or dislike, often based on principle.

profound disrespect

Underlines a significant lack of regard or esteem.

absolute detestation

Implies a strong and unwavering hatred.

great aversion

Focuses on a strong disinclination or dislike.

intense dislike

Describes a very strong feeling of not liking something or someone.

FAQs

How to use "utmost contempt" in a sentence?

Use "utmost contempt" to describe a strong feeling of disdain or disrespect towards something or someone. For example, "The committee expressed their utmost contempt for the unethical practices of the organization."

What can I say instead of "utmost contempt"?

You can use alternatives like "deepest scorn", "extreme disdain", or "utter revulsion" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "utmost contempt"?

It is appropriate to use "utmost contempt" when expressing a very strong negative feeling about something or someone, typically in situations involving moral outrage or severe disapproval.

Is "utmost contempt" formal or informal?

"Utmost contempt" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more suitable for situations where a strong expression of disapproval is warranted.