adj C1 Advanced

detestable

dih-TEHS-tuhbl

Detestable (adj) means So unpleasant or wicked as to inspire hatred or disgust. Example: “The crime was universally condemned as detestable.”

adj

So unpleasant or wicked as to inspire hatred or disgust.

"The crime was universally condemned as detestable."

How to use detestable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDeserving to be hated — utterly repugnant.

Common pairings

a detestable act find something detestable

more detestable comparative, most detestable superlative

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The crime was universally condemned as _____.

From Middle French détestable, built on detest + -able.

Origin: Middle French

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

What does “detestable” mean?

The word “detestable” means so unpleasant or wicked as to inspire hatred or disgust. In plain terms, deserving to be hated — utterly repugnant.

How do you pronounce “detestable”?

“Detestable” is pronounced dih-TEHS-tuhbl (/dɪˈtɛstəbl̩/ in IPA).

How do you use “detestable” in a sentence?

Here is “detestable” used in a sentence: “The crime was universally condemned as detestable.”

What part of speech is “detestable”?

“Detestable” is an adjective.

Where does the word “detestable” come from?

The word “detestable” comes from Middle French. From Middle French détestable, built on detest + -able.

Vocabulary lists that include detestable: