English Reference
Noun

loathing

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US /ˈɫoʊθɪŋ/ UK /lˈəʊðɪŋ/ loathing UK spelling loathings

n.a very strong feeling of hatred or disgust. You use this when you find something or someone completely unacceptable.

n.an intense feeling of hatred or deep-seated disgust. Often directed toward a person's character, a specific behavior, or a physical object.


SIMPLE

She looked at the messy room with pure loathing.

CONTEXTUAL

The two political rivals shared a mutual loathing that made any form of compromise impossible during the negotiations.

COMPLEX

His deep loathing for any form of dishonesty meant that he would rather lose a lucrative contract than participate in even a minor deception.

Usage

Often paired with the preposition 'for' or 'of'.

But before making it to his beloved greens, protocol obliges him to meet a woman who has given every impression of loathing him.

The Guardian· 12 Sept 2026

If Hensher is generous with plaudits, he is equally vigorous in his loathing.

The Guardian· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated