opprobrious

[uh-proh-bree-uhs]

adjective

1. conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker.

   opprobrious invectives.

   Synonyms: contemptuous, vituperative, abusive, reproachful
   Antonyms: laudatory

2. outrageously disgraceful or shameful.

   opprobrious conduct.

   Synonyms: ignominious, dishonorable
   Antonyms: reputable

opprobrious

/ əˈprəʊbrɪəs /

adjective

1. expressing scorn, disgrace, or contempt

2. shameful or infamous

Other Word Forms

• opprobriousness noun
• opprobriously adverb
• nonopprobrious adjective
• nonopprobriously adverb
• nonopprobriousness noun
• unopprobrious adjective
• unopprobriously adverb
• unopprobriousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opprobrious¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin opprobriōsus, equivalent to Latin opprobri ( um ) opprobrium + -ōsus -ous

Example Sentences

He hated the term “black” — back then spelled with a lowercase B — which had often been an opprobrious way of talking about the people to whose fight for equality he’d devoted his life.

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In the summer of 1903, he was charged with assaulting a man who had called his mother “opprobrious” names.

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Rand’s most extreme and opprobrious remarks, nevertheless, were saved for her subsequent discussion of Native Americans.

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On the other hand, you know I find it opprobrious the kind of appropriation of Dr. King’s image, iconic status and legacy for the very purposes that stood tooth-and-nail against him when he lived.

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An opprobrious response to the game's depiction of race and racial struggle, as well as other elements of narrative and structure.

Read more on The Guardian