contemptible

con·tempt·ible

adjective \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

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>.