What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hideous
Example
The painting was so hideous that I couldn't bear to look at it. [hideous: adjective]
Example
He had a hideous scar on his face from the accident. [hideous: adjective]
Example
The dictator's hideous crimes against humanity cannot be ignored. [hideous: plural noun]
abominable
Example
The smell coming from the dumpster was abominable. [abominable: adjective]
Example
His abominable treatment of his employees led to a high turnover rate. [abominable: adjective]
Example
The victims of the abominable crime deserve justice. [abominable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abominable is more commonly used than hideous in everyday language. Abominable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hideous is less common and refers to a more extreme level of ugliness or offensiveness.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hideous and abominable?
Abominable is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, while hideous is more colloquial and informal. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
