adj
contemptible
kuhn-TEHMP-tuh-buhl
Contemptible (adj) means deserving scorn or disrespect; despicable. Example: “His betrayal of his closest friend was utterly contemptible.”
adj
1
Deserving scorn or disrespect; despicable.
"His betrayal of his closest friend was utterly contemptible."
How to use contemptible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo bad or dishonourable that it deserves contempt.
Common mistake
Don't mix up with "contemptuous," which describes a person showing contempt toward others, not a thing deserving it.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more contemptible
- Superlative
- most contemptible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His betrayal of his closest friend was utterly _____.
Etymology
From Middle English contemptible, from Latin contemptibilis.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contemptible
See all rhymes for 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.
