utter contempt

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter contempt" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a common expression used to describe a strong feeling of disdain or disgust towards someone or something. Example: The defendant showed utter contempt for the judge by rolling his eyes and smirking during the trial.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Utter contempt," said one.

The Guardian - Music

I have utter contempt for painting".

The New Yorker

They may feel utter contempt for us.

The Guardian - Opinion

How could man have such utter contempt for man?

The New York Times

The Kremlin's cynical stage managers run the show with utter contempt for their audience.

The Economist

The university, she said, has shown "utter contempt" for its own students and their views.

The Guardian

"This is a deeply cynical move showing utter contempt for the rule of international law.

The Guardian

Harper's is his utter contempt, shown not once but many times, for Canadian institutions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He later went on anti-war marches and found himself feeling "utter contempt" for the state.

The Guardian

That showed utter contempt for the lives of everyone in the area.

The Guardian

Those who cherish the idea of judicial independence can only be chilled by Mr. DeLay's utter contempt for it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter contempt" to express a strong, negative feeling towards someone or something you find completely unacceptable. It's most impactful when the situation warrants a powerful expression of disapproval.

Common error

While "utter contempt" is a strong phrase, overusing it can diminish its impact. Reserve it for situations where the feeling is genuinely intense, and consider using milder synonyms in other contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter contempt" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" modifies the noun "contempt" to emphasize the intensity and completeness of the feeling. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, expressing a strong negative sentiment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Opinion

25%

Politics

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter contempt" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a powerful feeling of disdain or disgust. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, often relating to politics and opinion. While interchangeable with synonyms like "complete disdain" or "sheer loathing", it is crucial to reserve it for situations that truly warrant a strong negative expression to avoid diluting its impact. Consider that "utter contempt" is stronger than "utter disrespect".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete disdain

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the lack of respect.

sheer loathing

Highlights the intense dislike or disgust felt.

absolute abhorrence

Focuses on the feeling of revulsion and moral objection.

deep revulsion

Stresses the profound feeling of disgust.

total aversion

Emphasizes a strong disinclination or dislike.

unmitigated scorn

Highlights the lack of any positive regard or respect.

profound detestation

Focuses on a deep-seated hatred or dislike.

intense antipathy

Highlights a strong, inherent dislike or aversion.

pure repugnance

Emphasizes the feeling of extreme disgust or aversion.

extreme animosity

Focuses on the intense hostility or ill-will.

FAQs

How to use "utter contempt" in a sentence?

You can use "utter contempt" to describe a strong feeling of disdain or disgust towards someone or something. For example: "The politician's actions showed an "utter contempt" for the law."

What can I say instead of "utter contempt"?

You can use alternatives like "complete disdain", "sheer loathing", or "absolute abhorrence" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "utter contempt" or "utmost contempt"?

Both "utter contempt" and "utmost contempt" are grammatically correct and express a high degree of disdain. "Utter" emphasizes the completeness of the feeling, while "utmost" emphasizes the highest degree.

What's the difference between "utter contempt" and "utter disrespect"?

"Utter contempt" implies a feeling of disdain and disgust, while "utter disrespect" implies a lack of regard or consideration for someone or something. Contempt is a stronger, more intense emotion than disrespect.