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

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

"I think that's contemptible, and I don't think he's going to see the light of day again."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 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

“Is it true that the Modegan nobility regard haggling as a contemptible activity for those of any highborn station?”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Vocabulary lists containing contemptible

Animal Farm

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Things Fall Apart

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Even More Negative Words to Describe a Person

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