utter contempt for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utter contempt for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of disdain or scorn towards someone or something. Example: "The critic expressed utter contempt for the film, calling it a waste of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

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

Its director, Professor Brian Cathcart, said: "This shows the newspaper companies' utter contempt for the very idea of independence.

The Guardian

"Their utter contempt for the intelligence of the British public has been evident from day one," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "utter contempt for" to express a strong negative feeling or opinion towards a specific entity, idea, or action. Ensure the context warrants such a strong emotion for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "utter contempt for" in situations that require a more neutral or objective tone. This phrase conveys intense emotion and can sound overly dramatic or biased if not used appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter contempt for" functions as an expression of strong negative emotion or disapproval. It typically precedes a noun or noun phrase, indicating the object or recipient of the contempt. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utter contempt for" is a powerful expression used to convey a strong feeling of disdain or scorn. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While effective for expressing strong emotions, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic or biased in more neutral contexts. Alternatives like "deep disdain for" or "complete disregard for" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Utter disdain for

Synonymous, simply replaces 'contempt' with 'disdain'.

Absolute scorn for

Emphasizes ridicule and the belief that something is worthless.

Deep disdain for

Emphasizes a profound lack of respect and a feeling of superiority.

Profound disrespect for

Highlights a strong lack of esteem and courtesy.

Complete disregard for

Focuses on ignoring or neglecting something entirely, lacking consideration.

Deep loathing for

Highlights intense aversion and disgust.

Extreme antipathy toward

Highlights a deep-seated feeling of aversion or opposition.

Intense revulsion for

Focuses on a strong feeling of repugnance and disgust.

Profound animosity toward

Emphasizes deep-seated hostility and ill-will.

Total aversion to

Emphasizes a strong feeling of dislike and avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "utter contempt for" in a sentence?

You can use "utter contempt for" to express a strong feeling of disdain or scorn. For example, "The politician showed "utter contempt for" the opposing party's policies."

What are some alternatives to "utter contempt for"?

Alternatives include "deep disdain for", "complete disregard for", or "profound disrespect for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "utter contempt for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "utter contempt for" carries a strong emotional charge. Consider whether a more neutral phrase, like "strong disagreement with", might be more suitable for formal writing.

What's the difference between "utter contempt for" and "slight disapproval of"?

"Utter contempt for" expresses a very strong negative feeling, while "slight disapproval of" indicates a mild negative feeling. The choice depends on the intensity of the sentiment you want to convey.