Main Entry: con·tempt·ible

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms 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>.