Word
loathing
US/ˈɫoʊθɪŋ/
UK/lˈəʊðɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“She looked at the messy room with pure loathing.”
“The two political rivals shared a mutual loathing that made any form of compromise impossible during the negotiations.”
“His deep loathing for any form of dishonesty meant that he would rather lose a lucrative contract than participate in even a minor deception.”
Examples
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'.
Real-World Examples
“But before making it to his beloved greens, protocol obliges him to meet a woman who has given every impression of loathing him.” “If Hensher is generous with plaudits, he is equally vigorous in his loathing.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
The word in film
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Terry Gilliam directs this psychedelic journey through 1970s Nevada, where Johnny Depp's character experiences a deep sense of disgust toward the superficiality of the American Dream. The title captures the intense psychological repulsion and anxiety that the protagonists feel during their drug-fueled trip.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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