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Synonyms

disgusting

American  
[dis-guhs-ting, dih-skuhs-] / dɪsˈgʌs tɪŋ, dɪˈskʌs- /

adjective

  1. causing disgust; offensive to the physical, moral, or aesthetic taste.

    Synonyms:
    detestable, abhorrent, repugnant, revolting, repulsive, nauseous, sickening, loathsome

disgusting British  
/ dɪsˈɡʌstɪŋ /

adjective

  1. Also (rare): disgustful.  loathsome; repugnant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of disgusting

First recorded in 1745–55; disgust + -ing 2

Explanation

Something disgusting is awful in a way that makes you want to throw up — it's really, really yucky. Nobody likes disgusting things. Stepping in dog poo is disgusting — in other words, revolting and gross. Some people think spiders are disgusting; others find meatloaf disgusting; it just depends on what your tastes and tolerances are. If a politician is caught taking bribes, people say "That behavior is disgusting!" If your favorite team loses 20 games in a row, that might seem disgusting. Pretty much anything horrible, terrible, or nasty can be called disgusting.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing disgusting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Disgusting", "revolting" and "appalling" are just some the words on the lips of those making their way through the rubbish that is strewn along Brick Lane.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2023

This duo, who called themselves the Disgusting Brothers, observed the drama while often remaining just beyond its reach.

From New York Times • May 29, 2023

"They would rather risk your health than sacrifice a single cent. Disgusting."

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2023

"Disgusting on all levels. This is not our sport. This does not represent our sport," she continued.

From Fox News • Aug. 14, 2021

‘Nasty creature! So much the better. Disgusting rabbit, eat that lettuce!’

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams