20 Ways to Say "I Don't Like It"

20 Ways to Say “I Don’t Like It” (Natural English Alternatives)

Hello, English learners 👋 Welcome to a new lesson! Saying I don’t like it is correct — but native speakers rarely stop there. In real English, we choose expressions that match the strength of our feelings, the situation, and the level of politeness. In this lesson, you’ll learn 20 natural ways to say “I don’t like it”, ranging from polite and neutral to strong and emphatic, with clear explanations and realistic examples.

Polite & Neutral Expressions

I dislike it

Meaning: a polite and slightly formal way to express dislike.

I dislike noisy environments when I’m trying to work.
She says she dislikes spicy food.
I’ve always disliked the idea of working late.

I’m not a fan of it

Meaning: a neutral, friendly way to show disinterest.

I’m not a fan of pineapple on pizza.
He’s not a fan of early mornings.
She’s not a fan of crowded places.

It’s not for me

Meaning: a polite way to reject something without sounding negative.

Living in a big city is not for me.
Roller coasters look exciting, but they’re not for me.
That style of music isn’t for me.

I’m not keen on it

Meaning: mild dislike; common in British English.

I’m not keen on driving at night.
He’s not keen on spicy food.
She’s not keen on big social events.

It’s not appealing to me

Meaning: polite and slightly formal; often used for ideas or plans.

Working late every night isn’t appealing to me.
Abstract art isn’t appealing to me personally.
The idea of moving abroad isn’t appealing to me.

It’s not enjoyable for me

Meaning: neutral and personal, without criticism.

Long meetings aren’t enjoyable for me.
Staying up late to work isn’t enjoyable for me.
Being stuck in traffic isn’t enjoyable for me.

I’d prefer not to

Meaning: polite refusal or gentle avoidance.

I’d prefer not to attend the meeting today.
She’d prefer not to discuss personal matters.
We’d prefer not to eat out tonight.

Informal & Everyday English

It’s not my cup of tea

Meaning: an idiom meaning “not something I enjoy”.

Hiking isn’t my cup of tea.
Yoga is relaxing, but it’s not my cup of tea.
Reality TV isn’t my cup of tea.

It’s not my thing

Meaning: casual and conversational.

Karaoke isn’t my thing.
Fashion trends aren’t really my thing.
Big parties aren’t my thing.

I’m turned off by it

Meaning: something makes you lose interest or feel negative.

I’m turned off by messy workplaces.
He’s turned off by unnecessary drama.
She’s turned off by overly salty food.

It drives me crazy

Meaning: strong irritation (informal).

It drives me crazy when people interrupt.
That constant noise drives me crazy.
Losing my keys drives me crazy.

It irks me

Meaning: mild but persistent annoyance (quite common in writing).

It irks me when people don’t listen.
It irks her that deadlines are ignored.
Bad manners really irk him.

Strong Dislike (Use Carefully)

I can’t stand it

Meaning: strong dislike or irritation.

I can’t stand loud chewing.
She can’t stand being interrupted.
He can’t stand unreliable people.

I find it unpleasant

Meaning: formal and restrained dislike.

I find it unpleasant to work in noisy offices.
He finds confrontation unpleasant.
They find discussing private issues unpleasant.

I have no taste for it

Meaning: refined or literary; often used for preferences.

I have no taste for reality TV.
She has no taste for flashy jewellery.
I have no taste for overly sweet desserts.

I detest it

Meaning: very strong dislike (formal or emphatic).

I detest it when people are rude.
She detests being late.
He detests dishonesty.

I loathe it

Meaning: deep dislike or hatred.

I loathe being lied to.
He loathes office politics.
She loathes crowded public transport.

I abhor it

Meaning: extremely strong and formal dislike.

I abhor discrimination of any kind.
She abhors cruelty to animals.
He abhors unfair treatment.

It’s unbearable

Meaning: something is impossible to tolerate.

The heat without air conditioning is unbearable.
The noise was unbearable during the meeting.
Waiting for hours was unbearable.

Final tip for learners

You don’t need stronger vocabulary — you need more precise vocabulary. Choosing the right phrase helps you sound more natural, more polite (or more emphatic, when needed) and more confident in exams and real life.

20 Ways to Say “I Don’t Like It”

Published by My Lingua Academy on 19 Mar 202519 Mar 2025