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

In one message, Farage says Lowe is "contemptible".

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2025

The contemptible cruelty of this thinking, let alone the obscene presumption that Pozner is obligated to prove to her that his child is dead, isn’t even shocking.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2024

Another contemptible little practice is “wardrobing,” wearing an item of clothing once before returning it, like a manipulative DIY twist on Rent the Runway.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2024

Helmuth takes a deep breath, and in the most contemptible manner he can muster, says, "Jawohl, ihr lügt."

From "The Boy Who Dared" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Vocabulary lists containing contemptible

Animal Farm

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Things Fall Apart

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