ENGLISH
REFERENCE

disgusting

v.
A2 Elementary US //dɪsˈɡəstɪŋ// UK //dɪsɡˈʌstɪŋ// dis·gust·ing

v. extremely unpleasant or gross to see, smell, taste, or think about. It is a strong word for things that make you feel sick.

v. arousing intense distaste or physical revulsion. Often used to describe sensory experiences or moral conduct that violates social norms.


SIMPLE

The smell of the rotten milk was disgusting.

CONTEXTUAL

The kitchen was in a disgusting state after the party, with old food and dirty plates everywhere.

COMPLEX

While some found the modern art installation thought-provoking, others dismissed it as disgusting, claiming it relied too heavily on shock value rather than genuine aesthetic merit.

Synonyms
Origin

By surface analysis, disgust + -ing.

Usage

Typically functions as a predicative or attributive adjective; it is a gradable adjective that can be modified by 'absolutely' or 'really'.

Pitfall

I am disgusting by the smellI am disgusted by the smellLearners often confuse the '-ing' adjective (the cause) with the '-ed' adjective (the feeling). Use 'disgusting' for the thing that smells and 'disgusted' for how you feel.

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