despicable

[des-pi-kuh-buhl, dih-spik-uh-]

adjective

1. deserving to be despised, or regarded with distaste, disgust, or disdain; contemptible.

   He was a mean, despicable man, who treated his wife and children badly.

   Synonyms: detestable, mean, vile
   Antonyms: admirable

despicable

/ dɪˈspɪkəbəl, ˈdɛspɪk- /

adjective

1. worthy of being despised; contemptible; mean

Other Word Forms

• despicably adverb
• despicability noun
• despicableness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of despicable¹

1545–55; < Late Latin dēspicābilis, equivalent to Latin dēspic ( ārī ) to despise or dēspic ( ere ) to look down ( dē- de- + -spic- look, combining form of specere ) + -ābilis -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of despicable¹

C16: from Late Latin dēspicābilis, from dēspicārī to disdain; compare _despise

Example Sentences

"We think that it's despicable that an activist judge has inserted themselves in this migrant detention facility."

From BBC

He had a dim view of the push to repeal the tourism minimum wage, calling it “despicable.”

From Los Angeles Times

“With her lawsuit, she is standing up to this corporate bully and their outrageous and despicable conduct.”

From Los Angeles Times

Her behaviour was described by police as "despicable", and she was described as a "habitual liar".

From BBC

“Whatever happened here is despicable,” said Martinez, who attends nursing school next door.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contemptible 
• degrading 
• disgraceful 
• disreputable 
• loathsome 
• reprehensible 
• shameful 
• vile 
• wretched