ENGLISH
REFERENCE

abomination

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //əˌbɑməˈneɪʃən// UK //ɐbˌɒmɪnˈeɪʃən// abom·i·na·tion Archaic

n. something that is extremely disgusting, hateful, or wrong. It describes something that people find very offensive or against the rules of nature.

n. a thing that causes feelings of hatred, disgust, or intense moral disapproval. Often carries a strong religious or ethical connotation of being unnatural.


SIMPLE

The cruel treatment of the animals was an abomination.

CONTEXTUAL

Many critics viewed the new concrete skyscraper as an architectural abomination that ruined the historic skyline.

COMPLEX

In the eyes of the traditionalists, the proposed changes to the ancient ritual were nothing short of an abomination that threatened their cultural identity.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English abominacioun, from Middle French abomination (“horror, disgust”), from Late Latin abōminātiō, abōminātiōnem (“abomination”) Doublet of abominatio.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'an abomination to' or 'an abomination against'.

© 2026 English Reference