loathsome

1 of 2

adjective

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

loathsomeness

2 of 2

noun

loath·​some·​ness
plural -es
1
: the quality or state of being loathsome
2
: something loathsome
3
archaic : loathing

Examples of loathsome in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
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 Helping the audience understand loathsome people without understanding them is a more subtle, if equally essential, inheritance. Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Apr. 2026 Most of Becket’s relatives are loathsome (Grace is funny as a fraudulent self-help quasi-religious guru), though his uncle (the great Bill Camp) is a decent fellow who wants to lend Becket a hand. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loathsome

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

Middle English lothsumnesse, from lothsum + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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 18 Jun. 2026.

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

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