Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| indignante | /indiɡˈnante/ |
| inaudito | /inauˈdito/ |
| desaforado | /desafoˈɾado/ |
| ultrajoso (disused) | |
| ultrajante | /ultɾaˈxante/ |
The translation depends on the specific sense of 'outrageous' being expressed. Other terms like chocante or increíble can also be used as synonyms in certain contexts.
Which one should you use?
Spanish uses different words depending on the nuance of the English word: • Use indignante when the quality specifically provokes anger or a sense of injustice. • Use inaudito when 'outrageous' implies something is so extreme or unexpected that it is hard to believe. • Use desaforado when describing an excess or a lack of restraint, such as an outrageous price or amount of food. • Use ultrajante when the action or comment is a direct insult to someone's dignity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the adjective indignante is frequently used to express outrage or strong disapproval. In certain Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, atroz is a common way to express 'outrageous'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make indignante plural, add an -s to form indignantes.
How do you pronounce it?
/indiɡˈnante/
Did you know?
- The word desaforado comes from the verb desaforar, which historically meant to remove someone from the protection of the law or the 'fuero'.
- The word ultrajante shares its root with the Latin word 'ultra', meaning 'beyond'. To commit an 'outrage' is literally to go 'beyond' the acceptable limits of dignity.
- The term desaforado is often used to describe laughter risa desaforada, implying it is so outrageous that the person has lost all self-control.
Examples in context
- El comportamiento del político fue escandaloso durante la conferencia.The politician's behavior was outrageous during the conference.
- ¡La película fue escandalosa!The movie was outrageous!
- ¡Qué atroz es la corrupción política en este país!Political corruption in this country is outrageous!
- El trato que recibió fue indignante.The treatment he received was outrageous.
- Es un comportamiento indignante.It is outrageous behavior.
- El aumento de precios es indignante.The price increase is outrageous.
- Me parece un trato indignante.I find the treatment outrageous.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a news report about a scam.
- Alejandro¿Viste las noticias de hoy?Did you see the news today?
- ElenaSí, es un caso indignante.Yes, it is an outrageous case.
- AlejandroLa gente es muy mala.People are very bad.
- ElenaTienes mucha razón, Alejandro.You are very right, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outrageous” translations and entries indignante, inaudito, desaforado, ultrajante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desaforado, inaudito, indignante, ultrajoso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
