adjective
Uncommon
despicable
dih-SPIH-kuh-buhl
Despicable (adjective) means So morally low or cruel that it deserves scorn and contempt. Example: “Cheating a disabled pensioner out of his savings is despicable.”
adjective
1
So morally low or cruel that it deserves scorn and contempt.
"Cheating a disabled pensioner out of his savings is despicable."
"The critics called the film's violence despicable and gratuitous."
How to use despicable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDeserving to be despised — used for behaviour or people that are shamefully cruel or dishonest.
Common pairings
a despicable act
despicable behaviour
utterly despicable
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like despicable.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- despicables
- Comparative
- more despicable
- Superlative
- most despicable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cheating a disabled pensioner out of his savings is _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin despicabilis, from despicere, "to look down on" — the same root as "despise".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for despicable
See all rhymes for despicable →Frequently asked questions
What does “despicable” mean?
The word “despicable” means so morally low or cruel that it deserves scorn and contempt. In plain terms, deserving to be despised — used for behaviour or people that are shamefully cruel or dishonest.
How do you pronounce “despicable”?
“Despicable” is pronounced dih-SPIH-kuh-buhl (/dɪˈspɪkəbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “despicable” in a sentence?
Here is “despicable” used in a sentence: “Cheating a disabled pensioner out of his savings is despicable.”
What is the opposite of “despicable”?
The opposite of “despicable” — its antonyms — are honorable, esteemed, noble, respectable and valued.
What part of speech is “despicable”?
“Despicable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “despicable” come from?
The word “despicable” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin despicabilis, from despicere, "to look down on" — the same root as "despise".
Is “despicable” a common word?
“Despicable” is an uncommon word in modern English.
