loathsome

adjective

loath·​some ˈlōth-səm  ˈlōt͟h- 

: giving rise to loathing : disgusting

a loathsome disease

Smoking is a loathsome habit.

loathsomely adverb

loathsomeness noun

Synonyms of loathsome

• disgusting
• ugly
• awful
• horrible
• sickening
• hideous
• obnoxious
• obscene
• shocking
• dreadful
• offensive
• nasty

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

Platner is loathsome in so many ways. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 3 June 2026

Assayas’s aesthetic is too genteel to even imagine the specifics of loathsome doctrines. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026

The hard part to imagine about this fit is a Denver fan favorite wearing the loathsome purple and gold of the Lakers. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 22 May 2026

That’s why New York keeps filling up with loathsome real estate — big dumb buildings shaped by a plethora of constraints and corner-cutting conventions. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 28 Jan. 2026

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

Kids Definition

loathsome

adjective

loath·​some ˈlōth-səm  ˈlōt͟h- 

: very unpleasant : offensive

loathsomely adverb

loathsomeness noun