contemptible

[kuhn-temp-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. deserving of or held in contempt; despicable.

   Synonyms: base, low, abject, mean
   Antonyms: admirable

2. Obsolete.,  contemptuous.

contemptible

/ kənˈtɛmptəbəl /

adjective

1. deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable

Other Word Forms

• contemptibility noun
• contemptibleness noun
• contemptibly adverb
• noncontemptibility noun
• noncontemptible adjective
• noncontemptibleness noun
• noncontemptibly adverb
• uncontemptibility noun
• uncontemptible adjective
• uncontemptibleness noun
• uncontemptibly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of contemptible¹

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin contemptibilis, equivalent to contempt ( us ) ( contempt ) + -ibilis -ible

Example Sentences

Kirk’s death was ghastly and contemptible, but in a media environment and country conditioned to move on, its shock is already beginning to wear off.

From Salon

They are, evermore, contemptible miscreants like Stephen Miller, little people who are given power because their morals match the lying, heartless, fascist men who appoint them.

From Salon

Be open-minded and recognize that even a campaign opponent — even the contemptible Trump — can occasionally be onto something worthwhile.

From Los Angeles Times

The lawsuit argues that Netflix used her real name and biographical details in its Inventing Anna series, but she was unfairly depicted as a "vile and contemptible person".

From BBC

Peterson alleged that doctors involved in helping minors transition were “contemptible cowards” and likened them to “the Nazis.”

From Salon

Related Words

• abhorrent 
• abominable 
• disgusting 
• hateful 
• odious 
• vile 
• worthless