What does disgustingly mean?
"Disgustingly" is an adverb with two related but distinct uses. In its literal sense it describes something done or existing in a way that provokes disgust or revulsion, as in "a disgustingly dirty kitchen" or "he behaved disgustingly at the dinner table." More commonly in modern speech, however, it functions as an intensifier meaning "to an excessive or extreme degree," usually with a note of disapproval or ironic envy: people are described as "disgustingly rich," "disgustingly talented," or waking up at a "disgustingly early hour." This figurative use is informal and colloquial, lending a punchy, judgmental flavour to casual conversation. The word derives from "disgust," which entered English from French in the late sixteenth century, ultimately rooted in Latin gustus, "taste" — fittingly, since disgust began as a taste-based reaction. Its expressive force makes it a vivid choice whenever plain "very" feels too bland.
adverbIn a manner that causes disgust or revulsion; also used as an intensifier meaning extremely or excessively, often with a disapproving or ironic tone.
- In a manner causing disgust, revulsion, or strong distaste (e.g. 'a disgustingly filthy room').
- As an intensifier: to an extreme or excessive degree, often with disapproval or irony (e.g. 'disgustingly wealthy', 'disgustingly early').
"The kitchen was disgustingly dirty after the party."
"He left his gym bag in the car for a week until it smelled disgustingly of old sweat."
"They're disgustingly well-off — they bought a third holiday home without blinking."
When you call someone 'disgustingly rich', the word isn't describing their hygiene — it's an intensifier that smuggles moral judgment into what is otherwise just a measurement of wealth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disgustingly
The word derives from "disgust," which entered English from French in the late sixteenth century. The French verb dégouter traces back through Old French to the Latin gustus, meaning "taste," so disgust was originally conceived literally as a bad taste in the mouth. The adverb "disgustingly" was formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly, following the same pattern as other English adverbs of manner, and its figurative use as an intensifier developed later in colloquial speech.
Related word forms
How disgustingly is actually used
The intensifying sense ('disgustingly rich', 'disgustingly easy') is informal to colloquial and typically carries a tone of envy, mockery, or playful exaggeration rather than literal revulsion. The literal sense is neutral in register. In both senses the word conveys strong subjective judgment, so it is rare in formal or scientific writing except when quoting speech.
Easily confused with disgustingly
'Discreetly' means carefully and prudently, while 'disgustingly' means in a revolting or excessive way — the words share no meaning despite a superficial visual similarity.