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

Kirk’s death was ghastly and contemptible, but in a media environment and country conditioned to move on, its shock is already beginning to wear off.

From Salon • Sep. 24, 2025

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

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

From BBC • Jan. 5, 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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