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Synonyms

execrable

American  
[ek-si-kruh-buhl] / ˈɛk sɪ krə bəl /

adjective

  1. utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.

  2. very bad.

    an execrable stage performance.


execrable British  
/ ˈɛksɪkrəbəl /

adjective

  1. deserving to be execrated; abhorrent

  2. of very poor quality

    an execrable meal

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • execrableness noun
  • execrably adverb

Etymology

Origin of execrable

1350–1400 for earlier sense “expressing a curse”; 1480–90 execrable for def. 1; Middle English < Latin ex ( s ) ecrābilis accursed, detestable. See execrate, -able

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I almost feel bad for him trying so pathetically to defend such an execrable entity like the Iranian regime.

From The Wall Street Journal

He was angry that they weren't clapping for the "astronomical achievements" he has not actually accomplished, failing to recognize that they were not clapping or standing for the execrable achievements he has.

From Salon

The video clip of team highlights over the decades, scored by the execrable Train song “Calling All Angels,” was longer than ever, and more desperate.

From Los Angeles Times

The two dominant issues are rampant crime and execrable public schools.

From Washington Post

Lowbrow, “popular” genres represent the opera’s execrable characters.

From New York Times