adjective
reprehensible
rehp-rih-HEHN-sihbl
Reprehensible (adjective) means deserving strong criticism or blame; shamefully wrong. Example: “Lying to investors about the company's finances was utterly reprehensible.”
adjective
1
Deserving strong criticism or blame; shamefully wrong.
"Lying to investors about the company's finances was utterly reprehensible."
"The coach called the players' behavior reprehensible."
How to use reprehensible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo wrong or shameful that it deserves harsh criticism.
When to use it
A formal word, common in legal, journalistic, and moralizing contexts.
Common pairings
reprehensible conduct
morally reprehensible
a reprehensible act
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Word forms
- Plural
- reprehensibles
- Comparative
- more reprehensible
- Superlative
- most reprehensible
Fill the gap
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Lying to investors about the company's finances was utterly _____.
Etymology
From Late Latin reprehensibilis, from Latin reprehendere ("to seize, to blame") — the same root as "reprehend" and "apprehend."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for reprehensible
See all rhymes for reprehensible →Frequently asked questions
What does “reprehensible” mean?
The word “reprehensible” means deserving strong criticism or blame; shamefully wrong. In plain terms, so wrong or shameful that it deserves harsh criticism.
How do you pronounce “reprehensible”?
“Reprehensible” is pronounced rehp-rih-HEHN-sihbl (/ˌɹɛpɹəˈhɛnsəb(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “reprehensible” in a sentence?
Here is “reprehensible” used in a sentence: “Lying to investors about the company's finances was utterly reprehensible.”
What part of speech is “reprehensible”?
“Reprehensible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “reprehensible” come from?
The word “reprehensible” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin reprehensibilis, from Latin reprehendere ("to seize, to blame") — the same root as "reprehend" and "apprehend.".
