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 Get this: This loathsome species is getting bigger and nastier thanks to climate change. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2024 But these loathsome pests represent an almost unimaginably small fraction of the planet’s insect diversity. Benji Jones, Vox, 18 Sep. 2024 That climaxes somewhat predictably with a big speech at loathsome Andrew’s expense. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 17 Sep. 2024 If going through boxes is a particularly loathsome task, set a timer once a week for 30 minutes to start hacking away one cardboard box at a time. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loathsome 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loathsome.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near loathsome

Cite this Entry

“Loathsome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathsome. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!