# loathing

/ˈɫoʊθɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈəʊðɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loathing
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.