Nauseous vs. Nauseated — How to Use Them Correctly

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Have you ever said “I feel nauseous” and wondered if it’s actually correct?

You’re not alone—many English learners (and even native speakers!) get confused between “nauseous” and “nauseated.”

That’s why Midoo AI is here today to clear up the difference once and for all, so you can use these words with confidence in everyday writing or speech.

Nauseated — Feeling Sick

“Nauseated” means feeling like you are going to vomit (actually feeling sick).

It describes how you feel.

Examples:

  • She felt nauseated after the boat ride.
  • I became nauseated from the strong smell.
  • He looked nauseated during the flight.
  • The medicine made me nauseated.
  • I get nauseated when I read in the car.

✅ Tip: If you feel sick, use nauseated.

Nauseous — Causing Sickness (Traditional Use)

Traditionally, “nauseous” means causing nausea — something that makes others feel sick.

However, in modern English, especially in the U.S., people also use it to mean feeling sick (like “nauseated”).

Examples (traditional):

  • The nauseous smell made everyone leave.
  • He breathed in nauseous fumes from the chemicals.
  • That was a nauseous odor from the garbage.

Examples (modern/common):

  • I feel nauseous after that ride.
  • She got nauseous during the flight.

✅ Tip: If you want to be grammatically safe and formal, use nauseated for how you feel, and nauseous for what causes it.

Quick Trick to Remember

  • Nauseated = you feel sick 🤢
  • Nauseous = something causes sickness ☣️

💡 Think: “-ed” means it’s about you (you are affected).

FAQ

Q: Is it wrong to say “I feel nauseous”?

A: No. In modern English, it’s widely accepted. But in very formal or medical writing, “nauseated” is more precise.

Q: Which word should I use on tests or in formal writing?

A: Use “nauseated” when describing how someone feels to be safe.

Q: Is “nauseous” old-fashioned?

A: No, it’s still common—its meaning has just expanded over time.

Q: Can something be both “nauseous” and “nauseated”?

A: Yes! A person can feel nauseated because of a nauseous smell.