Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for "disgusting"
Search instead for predisguising.
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.

See Examples For:

“Allegations that DHS law enforcement engages in ‘racial profiling’ are disgusting, reckless, and categorically FALSE,” the spokesperson wrote.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 29, 2026

But whether they found it indispensable or utterly disgusting, it was clear that ranch provokes strong opinions, which is essential for success in the attention economy.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 17, 2026

“You are all disgusting wet batter,” barks a pastry baker.

From Salon Jul. 1, 2026

"There's tissue sometimes left. It's just absolutely disgusting."

From BBC Jun. 28, 2026

I shield our disgusting jigsaw puzzle with my body to prevent water damage.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training