adj

loathsome

LOHTH-suhm

Loathsome (adj) means Extremely unpleasant or disgusting; causing hatred or revulsion. Example: “The dungeon reeked with a loathsome smell.”

adj

Extremely unpleasant or disgusting; causing hatred or revulsion.

"The dungeon reeked with a loathsome smell."

"His loathsome behaviour cost him every friend he had."

How to use loathsome

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo unpleasant or repulsive that it inspires hatred or disgust.

Common pairings

loathsome creature loathsome smell find something loathsome

Word forms

more loathsome comparative, most loathsome superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The dungeon reeked with a _____ smell.

Etymology

Formed from loath + the suffix -some ("tending to cause"), so literally "tending to cause hatred/disgust".

Rhymes for loathsome

ome some come home Rome nome tome dome gnome genome become income

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Frequently asked questions

What does “loathsome” mean?

The word “loathsome” means extremely unpleasant or disgusting; causing hatred or revulsion. In plain terms, so unpleasant or repulsive that it inspires hatred or disgust.

How do you pronounce “loathsome”?

“Loathsome” is pronounced LOHTH-suhm (/ˈloʊð.səm/ in IPA).

How do you use “loathsome” in a sentence?

Here is “loathsome” used in a sentence: “The dungeon reeked with a loathsome smell.”

What part of speech is “loathsome”?

“Loathsome” is an adjective.