disgusting

adjective

dis·​gust·​ing di-ˈskə-stiŋ 

dis-ˈgə-,

 also  diz-

: causing a strong feeling of dislike or disinclination : causing disgust

the food was disgusting

a disgusting magazine

a disgusting way to treat people

disgustingly

di-ˈskə-stiŋ-lē 

dis-ˈgə-

 also  diz-

adverb

Synonyms

• abhorrent
• abominable
• appalling
• awful
• distasteful
• dreadful
• evil
• foul
• fulsome
• gross
• hideous
• horrendous
• horrible
• horrid
• loathsome
• nasty
• nauseating
• nauseous
• noisome
• noxious
• obnoxious
• obscene
• odious
• offensive
• rancid
• repellent
• repellant
• repugnant
• repulsive
• revolting
• scandalous
• shocking
• sickening
• ugly

Examples of disgusting in a Sentence

What a disgusting way to treat people.

when we cleaned the room, we found a disgusting plate of moldy food under the bed

Recent Examples on the Web

First came the disgusting pictures of waters so fouled that they were often compared to rotting guacamole. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Republicans seem to try to outdo each other to see who can be the most hateful and disgusting. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Sewage leaks are inherently disgusting and bad for drinking water, and lead to HABs that are the same. —Suwanna Gauntlett Upjohn, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Photograph: Chris Null As anyone who’s ever stuck a cotton swab in there knows, your ear canal is a filthy, disgusting place. —Christopher Null, Wired News, 22 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of disgust entry 2

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for disgusting

• adjusting
• distrusting
• encrusting
• entrusting
• busting
• crusting
• dusting
• gusting
• lusting
• rusting
• thrusting
• trusting

Kids Definition

disgusting

adjective

dis·​gust·​ing

dis-ˈgəs-tiŋ

: causing disgust

disgusting behavior

disgustingly adverb