abhorrent
adjective C1
Plain meaning
morally shocking or extremely unpleasant
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means morally shocking or extremely unpleasant, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalHis response sounded abhorrent, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a abhorrent assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a abhorrent responseabhorrent behavioura abhorrent situation
Watch out
Do not use “very abhorrent” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family