Dictionary
contemptible
adjective con·tempt·ible \kən-ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\
: not worthy of respect or approval : deserving contempt
Full Definition of CONTEMPTIBLE
1
: worthy of contempt
2
obsolete : scornful, contemptuous
— con·tempt·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌtem(p)-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— con·tempt·ible·ness noun
— con·tempt·ibly \-ˈtem(p)-tə-blē\ adverb
See contemptible defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of CONTEMPTIBLE
14th century
Related to CONTEMPTIBLE
- Synonyms
- cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched
- Antonyms
- admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
Synonym Discussion of CONTEMPTIBLE
contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.
CONTEMPTIBLY Defined for Kids
contemptible
adjective con·tempt·ible \kən-ˈtemp-tə-bəl\
Definition of CONTEMPTIBLE for Kids
: deserving or causing a person to be despised <a contemptible criminal> <a contemptible lie>
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