look down on

Meaning

To think that someone or something is inferior, less important, or of lower status than oneself. It carries a critical or arrogant connotation and is used to describe judgmental behavior.

Examples

• You shouldn't look down on people just because they don't have a college degree.

  You shouldn't look down on people just because they don't have a college degree.

• She felt that her coworkers looked down on her because she was an intern.

  She felt that her coworkers looked down on her because she was an intern.

• Some people look down on fast food jobs, but work is work.

  Some people look down on fast food jobs, but work is work.

• He has a tendency to look down on anyone who doesn't share his political views.

  He has a tendency to look down on anyone who doesn't share his political views.

• We should never look down on others; everyone has their own struggles.

  We should never look down on others; everyone has their own struggles.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He looks down to people who earn less than him.

  ✓ He looks down on people who earn less than him.

  The correct preposition combination is 'look down on' or 'look down upon'. Do not use 'to'.

• ✗ They look down on of our traditional customs.

  ✓ They look down on our traditional customs.

  The preposition 'on' connects directly to the object. Do not add 'of' after 'on'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It's wrong to ___ someone just because of their background.

  💡 To view someone as inferior or less important.

  Show answer

  look down on

• She felt that the wealthy neighbors would ___ her small car.

  💡 To regard something with disapproval or superiority.

  Show answer

  look down on