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Definitions

contemptible

[kuhn-temp-tuh-buhl] / kənˈtɛmp tə bəl /
ADJECTIVE
despicable, shameful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abhorrent abominable disgusting hateful odious vile worthless
WEAK
abject bad base beggarly cheap crass currish degenerate despisable detestable dirty heel ignoble ignominious inferior low low-down lowest mean outcast paltry pitiable pitiful poor sad scummy scurvy shabby sordid sorry swinish unworthy wretched
Antonyms
STRONGEST
delightful kind likeable lovable nice pleasant pleasing
WEAK
admirable admired good honorable loved respectable worthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The former Prince Andrew is a contemptible figure.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Councillors in the area have described the attack as "contemptible" and "a senseless act of intimidation".

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

That’s of course contemptible, but it’s also a complete lie.

From Salon • Sep. 29, 2024

If there’s anything more contemptible than being a villain, it’s being an accomplice — less guilty than the former, but also less compelling, confident and strong.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 9, 2023

For, I cannot adequately express what pain it gave me to think that Estella should show any favour to a contemptible, clumsy, sulky booby, so very far below the average.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens