What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obnoxious
Example
The obnoxious child kept interrupting the teacher during class. [obnoxious: adjective]
Example
The smell of the garbage was obnoxious and made me feel sick. [obnoxious: adjective]
Example
His obnoxious views on politics were not well-received by the audience. [obnoxious: plural noun]
disgusting
Example
The food was so disgusting that I couldn't eat it. [disgusting: adjective]
Example
The sight of the dead animal was disgusting and made me feel sick. [disgusting: adjective]
Example
His behavior towards his employees was disgusting and unethical. [disgusting: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disgusting is more commonly used than obnoxious in everyday language, especially when describing tastes, smells, or appearances. However, obnoxious is still a useful word to describe unpleasant people or behaviors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obnoxious and disgusting?
Both obnoxious and disgusting are informal words and should be used with caution in formal settings. However, disgusting is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while obnoxious is more commonly used in informal situations.