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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more reprehensible comparative, reprehensibles plural, most reprehensible superlative

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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."

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for reprehensible

Bible edible legible visible audible fungible feasible tangible possible flexible gullible sensible

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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.".