reprehensible
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reprehensible
1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin reprehēnsibilis, equivalent to Latin reprehēns ( us ) (past participle of reprehendere to reprehend ) + -ibilis -ible
Explanation
Reprehensible means deserving of blame or strong criticism. It is a strong word — your mother might forgive you for doing something bad, but something reprehensible? That's worse. If a politician steals funds that are meant to provide care for the elderly, that's reprehensible! Near synonyms of this adjective are "blameworthy" and "culpable." The word reprehensible is from Middle English, from Latin reprehensus, plus the suffix -ibilis, "deserving of, capable of." If someone is reprehended, they are blamed or strongly criticized.
Vocabulary lists containing reprehensible
Of Mice and Men
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Grade 10, List 4
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100 SAT words Beginning with "R"
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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.
Reprehensible such people may be, but they are motivated by a kind of perverted idealism.
From Salon • Sep. 28, 2025
“But his conduct on January 6th was quite problematic. Reprehensible, really,” the judge said.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024
“Such ploys are just a factor to be considered in whether a confession was voluntary. Reprehensible does not equal unconstitutional.”
From Washington Post • Jan. 12, 2022
"Reprehensible, disturbing, embarrassing. I agree with everything that's been said here today, and my workforce does as well."
From US News • Nov. 17, 2015
Reprehensible actions are like over-strong brandies—you cannot swallow them at a draught.
From The Man Who Laughs by Hugo, Victor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
