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 of despicable

• pitiful
• lame
• cheap
• wretched
• dirty
• disgusting
• nasty
• hateful
• mean
• vile
• deplorable
• contemptible

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 fact that Van Hollen publicly and enthusiastically supported Graham Platner, despite all of his despicable activity, is an embarrassment to the entire state of Maryland. — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2026

Plus, Palmer is a horrible person — in this case, the victim is much more despicable than the thieves. — Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 8 July 2026

Maybe America was too busy wrestling with its own history of siding with the most despicable villains around? — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 July 2026

Judge calls Heuermann ‘despicable’ As a series of victims’ kin spoke, Heuermann sat with his hands on the defense table, looking straight ahead and lightly tapping his fingers. — Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

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