loathsome

1 of 2

adjective

loath·​some ˈlōth-səm  ˈlōt͟h- 

: 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

Synonyms of loathsome

Adjective

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

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

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

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

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

Kids Definition

loathsome

adjective

loath·​some ˈlōth-səm  ˈlōt͟h- 

: very unpleasant : offensive

loathsomely adverb

loathsomeness noun