adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of contemptible
1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin contemptibilis, equivalent to contempt ( us ) ( see contempt) + -ibilis -ible
Explanation
Someone or something that's contemptible receives harsh judgment and deserves it. Your desire to bring to justice the contemptible coward who stole your last chocolate bar seemed noble, until you realized you'd eaten it the night before. Contemptible means "worthy of contempt," and is one of several words of its kind that end with -ible rather than -able, which would mean something more like "capable of contempt," (and isn't a word). You could remember that “I find it contemptible!” begins with “I.” If you don't, some will consider your spelling errors to be minor offenses, while others will declare them . . . contemptible!
Vocabulary lists containing contemptible
Animal Farm
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Things Fall Apart
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Even More Negative Words to Describe a Person
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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.
In another writer’s hands, the soft-handed seat-fillers of his slacker masterpiece “Office Space” would be contemptible.
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
What would compel a consultant to dismiss signs that a candidate has contemptible views on sexual assault?
From Slate ● Aug. 1, 2026
The former Prince Andrew is a contemptible figure.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 23, 2026
Puska told "lies and mistruths, some of which I say are foul and contemptible in their nature", she continued.
From BBC ● Nov. 9, 2023
Tom found these people cowards and, therefore, more contemptible than the desperadoes who risked their lives to hold up a train.
From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann
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.
