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Definition of contemptible

contemptible

/kənˈtɛmptɪbəl/
con · temp · ti · ble
Adverb:contemptibly
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contemptible Lexical Profile

contemptible Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Deserving of strong disdain, scorn, or moral disapproval; base and ignoble.

Example

"Deceiving elderly residents out of their life savings was universally condemned as a contemptible act."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for contemptible
Antonyms
View all antonyms for contemptible

Word Nuance & Usage

'Contemptible' means deserving of contempt (as in 'a contemptible lie'), whereas 'contemptuous' means feeling or expressing contempt toward someone else (as in 'a contemptuous sneer').

• Rhymes for contemptible

• Nearby Words

contemporarily
contemporary
contempt
contemptible
contemptibly
contemptuous
contemptuously

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French or directly from Late Latin 'contemptibilis' ('despicable'), derived from Latin 'contemnere' ('to scorn or despise').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Contemptible. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/contemptible
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