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adj B1 Intermediate Common

disgusting

dihs-GUHS-tihng

Disgusting (adj) means causing a strong feeling of revulsion; repulsive. Example: “The floor of the abandoned building was disgusting.”

adj
1
Causing a strong feeling of revulsion; repulsive.
"The floor of the abandoned building was disgusting."

How to use disgusting

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo unpleasant it makes you want to look away or recoil.

Word forms

disgustinger comparative, more disgusting comparative, disgustingest superlative, most disgusting superlative

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Test yourself on “disgusting” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The floor of the abandoned building was _____.

Etymology

From disgust plus -ing, describing something that causes that reaction.

Related words

Rhymes for disgusting

See all rhymes for disgusting →

Frequently asked questions

What does “disgusting” mean?

The word “disgusting” means causing a strong feeling of revulsion; repulsive. In plain terms, so unpleasant it makes you want to look away or recoil.

How do you pronounce “disgusting”?

“Disgusting” is pronounced dihs-GUHS-tihng (/dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “disgusting” in a sentence?

Here is “disgusting” used in a sentence: “The floor of the abandoned building was disgusting.”

What part of speech is “disgusting”?

“Disgusting” is an adjective.

Is “disgusting” a common word?

“Disgusting” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between 'disgusting' and 'disgusted'?

Disgusting describes something that causes revulsion, as in 'the smell was disgusting'. Disgusted describes the feeling a person has in response, as in 'I was disgusted by the smell', so the thing is disgusting and the person is disgusted.

What is the difference between 'disgusting' and 'revolting'?

The two are close synonyms and both mean causing a strong feeling of revulsion. Disgusting is the more everyday word, while revolting can sound slightly stronger or more formal, but in most contexts they are interchangeable.

Is 'disgusting' too strong or informal for formal writing?

Disgusting is a strong, emotive word that clearly signals revulsion, so it suits everyday speech and opinion writing. In formal or neutral writing, milder alternatives like unpleasant, unacceptable, or repugnant are often preferred to keep a measured tone.

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