contemptible

con·tempt·ible

adj \kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\

Definition of CONTEMPTIBLE

1

: worthy of contempt

2

obsolete : scornful, contemptuous

— con·tempt·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌtem(p)-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— con·tempt·ible·ness noun

— con·tempt·ibly \-ˈtem(p)-tə-blē\ adverb

Examples of CONTEMPTIBLE

1. I've never met a more selfish, contemptible person.
2. <the contemptible thieves who stole the Christmas gifts intended for needy children>

First Known Use of CONTEMPTIBLE

14th century

Related to CONTEMPTIBLE

Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched

Antonyms: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Related Words: abhorrent, abominable, condemnable, detestable, execrable, hateful, loathsome, odious; disgusting, reptilian, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, revulsive; discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, ignominious, shameful; base, ignoble, low, shabby, sordid, squalid, vile; blamable, censurable, reprehensible, reproachable; cowardly, craven, dastardly; unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous

Near Antonyms: high-minded, honest, honorable, noble, principled, redoubtable, reputable, right-minded, scrupulous, upright; ethical, good, moral, right, righteous, virtuous

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of CONTEMPTIBLE

contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.