What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
loathsome
Example
The smell of the garbage was loathsome. [loathsome: adjective]
Example
He had a loathsome habit of picking his nose in public. [loathsome: adjective]
detestable
Example
The politician's actions were detestable and unethical. [detestable: adjective]
Example
I find it detestable when people are rude to service workers. [detestable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Detestable is more commonly used than loathsome in everyday language, and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between loathsome and detestable?
Loathsome is more formal than detestable, and is often used in literary or historical contexts.
