scurvy

1 of 2

noun

scur·​vy ˈskər-vē 

: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes

scurvy

2 of 2

adjective

: arousing disgust or scorn : contemptible, despicable

a scurvy trick

scurvily

ˈskər-və-lē 

adverb

scurviness

ˈskər-vē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• lame
• pitiful
• wretched
• cheap
• nasty
• dirty
• mean
• disgusting
• hateful

Choose the Right Synonym for scurvy

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 scurvy in a Sentence

Adjective

after winning the lottery, she was beset by a whole scurvy swarm of con artists, ne'er-do-wells, and hangers-on

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To prevent scurvy on British warships in the 1880s, sailors drank a daily ration of citrus juice. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 30 July 2025

In addition to copious amounts of grass, the capybaras are fed green beans, squash, sweet potato, carrots, and kale, and are given additional Vitamin C to prevent scurvy. —Gary Shteyngart, The New Yorker, 27 Jan. 2025

Adjective

In rare cases, extreme deficiency for many weeks may lead to a fatal condition, called scurvy. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 18 July 2025

In the 10th century, Italy’s famed medical school in Salerno discovered that citrus could be the solution to the dreaded nautical affliction scurvy. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

scurf

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1565, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing scurvy

• scurvy grass

Rhymes for scurvy

• curvy
• nervy

Kids Definition

scurvy

1 of 2 noun

scur·​vy ˈskər-vē 

: a disease caused by lack of vitamin C and characterized by loosening of the teeth, softening of the gums, and bleeding under the skin

scurvy

2 of 2 adjective

scurvier; scurviest

: contemptible, mean

a scurvy practice

Medical Definition

scurvy

noun

scur·​vy ˈskər-vē 

plural scurvies

: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes

called also scorbutus