Word
loathsome
Phoneticsloath·some, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫoʊðsəm/
UK/lˈəʊθsʌm/
Definition
adj. extremely unpleasant or disgusting. You use this to describe something that makes you feel very strong feelings of hate or disgust.
adj. extremely unpleasant, disgusting, or repulsive. Often used to describe people, behaviors, or physical objects that evoke intense aversion.
Examples
“The smell of the old trash was loathsome.”
“The politician's loathsome behavior during the debate made it impossible for the committee to consider his proposal.”
“The novel's protagonist is a loathsome figure, whose every action is driven by a selfish desire for power that alienates even his most loyal followers.”
Examples
simple
“The smell of the old trash was loathsome.”
contextual
“The politician's loathsome behavior during the debate made it impossible for the committee to consider his proposal.”
complex
“The novel's protagonist is a loathsome figure, whose every action is driven by a selfish desire for power that alienates even his most loyal followers.”
Real-World Examples
“The press were characteristically loathsome in their probing.” “Scott’s disinterest in retiring is admirable (he’s openly loathsome of the idea), I just wish he seemed more interested in the day job.” Etymology
From Middle English lothsum, from Old English lāþsum, from Proto-West Germanic laiþasam, equivalent to loath + -some. Cognate with Middle Low German lêtsam (“arduous”), German leidsam (“sad, sorry”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- 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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