ENGLISH
REFERENCE

loathsome

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈɫoʊðsəm// UK //lˈəʊθsʌm// loath·some

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.


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.

Synonyms
Origin

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”).

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