despicable

de·spi·ca·ble

adj \di-ˈspi-kə-bəl, ˈdes-(ˌ)pi-\

Definition of DESPICABLE

: deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation <despicable behavior>

— de·spi·ca·ble·ness noun

— de·spi·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

Examples of DESPICABLE

1. She is a despicable traitor.
2. <even within the prison population, pedophiles are regarded as particularly despicable>

Origin of DESPICABLE

Late Latin despicabilis, from Latin despicari to despise

First Known Use: 1553

Related to DESPICABLE

Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, deplorable, contemptible, 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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See Synonym Discussion at contemptible

Rhymes with DESPICABLE

explicable, extricable