despicable

adjective de·spi·ca·ble \di-ˈspi-kə-bəl, ˈdes-(ˌ)pi-\

: very bad or unpleasant : deserving to be despised

Full Definition of DESPICABLE

: deserving to be despised : so worthless or obnoxious as to rouse moral indignation <despicable behavior>

— de·spi·ca·ble·ness noun

— de·spi·ca·bly \-blē\ adverb

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Origin of DESPICABLE

Late Latin despicabilis, from Latin despicari to despise

First Known Use: 1553

Related to DESPICABLE

Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, deplorable, contemptible, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched

Antonyms: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Synonym Discussion of DESPICABLE

contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.