# revolting

/ɹiˈvoʊɫtɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪvˈəʊltɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/revolting
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

extremely unpleasant or disgusting. You use this to describe something that makes you feel sick or very uncomfortable.

For teachers: extremely offensive or disgusting; causing intense aversion or nausea. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'look', or 'smell'.

## Examples

- The smell from the old trash was absolutely revolting.
- The kitchen staff was fired immediately after the health inspector found revolting conditions behind the main refrigerators.
- While the visual effects in the horror film were technically impressive, many viewers found the graphic nature of the scenes truly revolting and left the cinema early.

## Usage notes

- Typically functions as a gradable adjective and is frequently modified by intensifiers like 'absolutely', 'utterly', or 'truly'.

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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.