reprehensible
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reprehensible
1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin reprehēnsibilis, equivalent to Latin reprehēns ( us ) (past participle of reprehendere to reprehend ) + -ibilis -ible
Explanation
Reprehensible means deserving of blame or strong criticism. It is a strong word — your mother might forgive you for doing something bad, but something reprehensible? That's worse. If a politician steals funds that are meant to provide care for the elderly, that's reprehensible! Near synonyms of this adjective are "blameworthy" and "culpable." The word reprehensible is from Middle English, from Latin reprehensus, plus the suffix -ibilis, "deserving of, capable of." If someone is reprehended, they are blamed or strongly criticized.
Vocabulary lists containing reprehensible
Of Mice and Men
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Grade 10, List 4
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
100 SAT words Beginning with "R"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
So while Murrill’s desire to deprive exonerees of money is terrible, Alexander said, her efforts to prevent them from having their names officially cleared are truly reprehensible.
From Salon ● Aug. 10, 2026
If true, the NBA should void his contract and ban him, and Uncle Dennis, from the NBA because what they have done is reprehensible.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2026
The majority underscores that they find the President’s statements reprehensible.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026
Thoreau believed slavery was morally reprehensible, and refused to pay a poll tax supporting the government that allowed it.
From Barron's ● Apr. 14, 2026
The brocaded hangings beamed on the walls in soft folds—and, on the floor, a desperate and reprehensible luxury, there was a genuine carpet.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
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.
