contemptible
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for contemptible, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Deserving scorn or disrespect; despicable.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English contemptible, from Latin contemptibilis.
Full origin of contemptible →Frequently asked questions
What does “contemptible” mean?
The word “contemptible” means deserving scorn or disrespect; despicable. In plain terms, so bad or dishonourable that it deserves contempt.
How do you pronounce “contemptible”?
“Contemptible” is pronounced kuhn-TEHMP-tuh-buhl (/kənˈtɛmptəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “contemptible” in a sentence?
Here is “contemptible” used in a sentence: “His betrayal of his closest friend was utterly contemptible.”
What part of speech is “contemptible”?
“Contemptible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “contemptible” come from?
The word “contemptible” comes from Latin. From Middle English contemptible, from Latin contemptibilis.
