despicable

adjective

de·​spi·​ca·​ble di-ˈspi-kə-bəl  ˈde-(ˌ)spi- 

: deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation

despicable behavior

despicableness noun

despicably

di-ˈspi-kə-blē 

ˈde-(ˌ)spi-

adverb

Synonyms

• cheap
• contemptible
• cruddy
• deplorable
• dirty
• grubby
• lame
• lousy
• mean
• nasty
• paltry
• pitiable
• pitiful
• ratty
• scabby
• scummy
• scurvy
• sneaking
• sorry
• wretched

Choose the Right Synonym for despicable

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

Examples of despicable in a Sentence

She is a despicable traitor.

even within the prison population, pedophiles are regarded as particularly despicable

Recent Examples on the Web

The tricky thing is that the Jackal, across the 10 episodes, does despicable acts of violence and betrayal in order to achieve his goal. —Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 19 June 2025

The deployment showdown also led to one of the state’s most despicable standoffs. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025

Democratic leaders blasted Padilla’s treatment as not just despicable, but also indicative of a turning point. —Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

The most despicable was the cowardice of ICE officers who hide their faces. —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin despicabilis, from Latin despicari to despise

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for despicable

• explicable
• predicable

Kids Definition

despicable

adjective

de·​spi·​ca·​ble di-ˈspik-ə-bəl  ˈdes-(ˌ)pik- 

: deserving to be despised

a despicable traitor

despicableness noun

despicably

-blē 

adverb