execrable

[ ek-si-kruh-buhl ]

adjective

1. utterly detestable; abominable; abhorrent.
2. very bad:

   an execrable stage performance.

execrable

/ ˈɛksɪkrəbəl /

adjective

1. deserving to be execrated; abhorrent
2. of very poor quality

   an execrable meal

Derived Forms

• ˈexecrably, adverb
• ˈexecrableness, noun

Other Words From

• exe·cra·ble·ness noun
• exe·cra·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of execrable¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of execrable¹

C14: from Latin exsecrābilis, from exsecrārī to execrate

Example Sentences

That “Plan A” has failed, a result of over confidence, bad intelligence, worse generalship, execrable logistics, and terrible on-the-ground leadership.

From Time

As disappointing as such a glib argument would be from a better-made series, it renders Cherry Flavor fully execrable.

From Time

Those execrable three words are murmured by sorrowful elected officials in times of tragedy, but rarely burdened with any actual plans or action.

From Washington Post

Added to the mix are a supporting cast of conjured “demons” including mid-20th writers and chat show regulars James Baldwin, Truman Capote, and the execrable Ayn Rand.

From Washington Blade

Anything, for example, to take our minds off the execrable “dining experience.”

From The Daily Beast

So I'm not criticizing her, and I'm certainly not defending DW Griffith's execrable opinions.

From The Daily Beast

If Kennedy displayed execrable judgment during the war, he did nothing to redeem it after the conflict had ended.

From The Daily Beast

The road was execrable; full of holes, pits, and puddles, in which our poor beasts often sank above their knees.

From Project Gutenberg

I wouldnt dwess in such execrable taste for any sum you could mentionno, sir!

From Project Gutenberg

He urged upon the Assembly the adoption of immediate and energetic measures to arrest these execrable deeds of lawless violence.

From Project Gutenberg

As I said before, the provisions were execrable; the remnants of the first cabin were sent to us poor wretches.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot contemplate such loveliness and associate it with the execrable sin which calls down vengeance upon this house.

From Project Gutenberg