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

Don’t get me wrong: J. Edgar Hoover, the FBI’s legendary founding director, would view Patel as a contemptible weakling.

From Salon • Oct. 19, 2025

ITV said the former Manchester City and QPR player's comments were "contemptible and shameful".

From BBC • Jan. 5, 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

Among the other bad effects it brings with it, being unarmed makes you contemptible.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

Vocabulary lists containing contemptible

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