disdain

American  

[dis-deyn, dih-steyn] / dɪsˈdeɪn, dɪˈsteɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.

   Synonyms:

   spurn, contemn

   Antonyms:

   accept

2. to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself.

   to disdain replying to an insult.

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noun

1. a feeling of contempt for anything regarded as unworthy; haughty contempt; scorn.

   Synonyms:

   arrogance, haughtiness

   Antonyms:

   admiration

disdain British  

/ dɪsˈdeɪn /

noun

1. a feeling or show of superiority and dislike; contempt; scorn

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verb

1. (tr; may take an infinitive) to refuse or reject with disdain

Related Words

See contempt.

Other Word Forms

• self-disdain noun
• undisdaining adjective

Etymology

Origin of disdain

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English disdainen, from Anglo-French de(s)deigner, equivalent to dis- ¹ + deign; noun derivative of the verb

Example Sentences

Everyone hates the Girl Boss, but female founders really were underresourced, and female ambition really was treated with disdain and distrust.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

Still, large portions of all social classes remain united in their disdain for this regime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Peter Thiel, who co-founded Palantir and chairs its board, opened an office for his private investment firm in Miami last December as billionaires expressed disdain for a potential new tax on wealthy individuals in California.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

To the disdain of purists, so much of the Super Bowl coverage is about anything but the football.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

To my surprise, he swung from his saddle without a word, though his bearing spoke of resentment and disdain, and walked on, leading his mount.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

Related Words

• antipathy
• arrogance
• aversion
• contempt
• derision
• dislike
• hatred
• pride
• ridicule
• scorn