Search Dictionary
Definition of disdainful

disdainful

/dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/
dis · dain · ful
Adverb:disdainfully
JUMP TO:

disdainful Lexical Profile

disdainful Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Showing or feeling contempt or lack of respect for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior.

Example

"The critic gave a disdainful shrug when asked about the director's latest commercial film."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for disdainful
Antonyms
View all antonyms for disdainful

• Rhymes for disdainful

• Nearby Words

discussable
discussion
disdain
disdainful
disdainfully
disease
diseased

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the noun 'disdain' and the suffix '-ful'. The root 'disdain' comes via Old French from Vulgar Latin 'disdignare', combining 'dis-' (expressing reversal or negation) and 'dignare' (to deem worthy, from Latin 'dignus', meaning 'worthy').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Disdainful. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/disdainful
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.