What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disgusting
Example
The smell of rotten eggs is disgusting. [disgusting: adjective]
Example
It's disgusting how he treats his employees. [disgusting: adjective]
Example
The conditions in the prison were absolutely disgusting. [disgusting: adjective]
offensive
Example
His comments about women were offensive. [offensive: adjective]
Example
Wearing a hat indoors can be seen as offensive in some cultures. [offensive: adjective]
Example
The politician's remarks were deeply offensive to many people. [offensive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offensive is more commonly used than disgusting in everyday language. Offensive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disgusting is less common and more specific in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disgusting and offensive?
Both disgusting and offensive can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but offensive is more commonly used in formal settings, such as academic or professional writing.