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View synonyms for contemptible

contemptible

[ kuhn-temp-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

  1. deserving of or held in contempt; despicable.

    Synonyms: base, low, abject, mean

    Antonyms: admirable

  2. Obsolete. contemptuous.


contemptible

/ kənˈtɛmptəbəl /

adjective

  1. deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • conˌtemptiˈbility, noun
  • conˈtemptibly, adverb
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Other Words From

  • con·tempti·bili·ty con·tempti·ble·ness noun
  • con·tempti·bly adverb
  • noncon·tempti·bili·ty noun
  • noncon·tempti·ble adjective
  • noncon·tempti·ble·ness noun
  • noncon·tempti·bly adverb
  • uncon·tempti·bili·ty noun
  • uncon·tempti·ble adjective
  • uncon·tempti·ble·ness noun
  • uncon·tempti·bly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of contemptible1

1350–1400; Middle English (< Middle French ) < Late Latin contemptibilis, equivalent to contempt ( us ) ( contempt ) + -ibilis -ible
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Example Sentences

Lawmakers, in his telling, are now The Other—and thus just as contemptible as his billionaire pals.

From Time

Ignoring the differences between democracies governed by the rule of law and contemptible organizations that engage in terrorism at best discredits one’s intended argument and at worst reflects deep-seated prejudice.

The real cost, the real burden in this iniquitous, contemptible system is the legion of skimmers and coasters led by the devious do-nothing NCAA president Mark Emmert and his board of governors cronies.

His actions were cruel and vicious—and also squalid and contemptible.

Actions that a writer deems “depressing” and contemptible have not been “justified” by him or his publication.

Brittle egos are bolstered less by what they love about themselves than what they find contemptible in others.

But if you do, bear in mind that ugly and contemptible things lurk beneath its surface.

That of course was contemptible and directly counter to every laudable value this country stands for.

I should be ashamed to show my face at Heaven's gates and say I came from such a contemptible planet.

My hero of yesterday, the hero of the glorious struggle of the People,—how contemptible he has proved himself, how cravenly small!

It is enough if the defendant induces an ill opinion to be held of the plaintiff, or to make him contemptible or ridiculous.

Behold I have made thee small among the nations: thou art exceeding contemptible.

Selby was one who felt more or less of shame at the contemptible part he was expected to play.

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contemptcontempt of Congress