loathsome

adjective

loath·​some ˈlōth-səm How to pronounce loathsome (audio) ˈlōt͟h- How to pronounce loathsome (audio)
: giving rise to loathing : disgusting
a loathsome disease
Smoking is a loathsome habit.
loathsomely adverb
loathsomeness noun

Examples of loathsome in a Sentence

we traced the foul smell to a pile of loathsome garbage by the back wall
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Needless to say, no one who has any standards whatsoever should want to have anything to do with these loathsome cretins. The Editors, National Review, 3 Mar. 2025 America was the future, and the future was loathsome. James Verini, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025 The return of Dina Manzo wasn’t enough to counter the regrettable new additions, particularly Amber and her loathsome husband, Jim. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025 But the actor only ever knuckles down at being loathsome. Glenn Kenny, New York Times, 13 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for loathsome

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lothsum, from loth evil, from Old English lāth, from lāth, adjective

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loathsome was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loathsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathsome. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

loathsome

adjective
loath·​some ˈlōth-səm How to pronounce loathsome (audio) ˈlōt͟h- How to pronounce loathsome (audio)
: very unpleasant : offensive
loathsomely adverb
loathsomeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on loathsome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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