a despicable person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a despicable person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is regarded with contempt or disgust due to their actions or character. Example: "After hearing about his deceitful actions, many considered him a despicable person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I thought I was a despicable person," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

In early-20th-century America, a creep or creeper could refer to a sneaky thief, a cheating lover or a despicable person more generally.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Hillary Clinton is not a good candidate and Donald Trump is just a despicable person," Nicole Gerson, an attorney in Philadelphia, reflected after the debate.

The Guardian

One of the prosecutors, Victoria Peters, an assistant United States attorney, asked the jury: "What would you have your government do — tell Mr. Headley, 'I'm sorry, you're a despicable person and we're not interested in what you have to say to us'?

The New York Times

According to a BBC employee who overheard the incident, David Jordan, the head of editorial policy, accused Newsnight producer Meirion Jones of being a "despicable person" – to which Jones responded by accusing Jordan of "telling lies" of behalf of management ever since the crisis broke out.

The Guardian

You can win every football game in the history of football games and still be a despicable person -- and if you support or worship someone who turned a blind eye to the ruining of at least 10, if not hundreds of human beings' lives, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The thief is a more despicable person in the Jewish mentality, because he thinks he's fooling God".

The New Yorker

"When she found out I was one of the winners this year of the chemistry prize, she said, 'Oh, come to the showing we're going to have.' " So he did, and he loved it, especially the fact that the film's Nobelist, played by Alan Rickman, is "a completely despicable person".

The New York Times

(It doesn't help that swine, unlike avian or SARS, suggests a really despicable person).

Huffington Post

It's as though she erected a statue that said: this is who you are – a vile and despicable person.

The Guardian - Opinion

but if I consider it immoral or dangerous, I will label you a narrow-minded and despicable person and rally society to silence you".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a despicable person" to clearly and directly express strong disapproval or condemnation of someone's character or actions. It's most effective when you want to highlight moral reprehensibility.

Common error

Avoid using "a despicable person" in contexts where the disapproval is not severe. Overusing such strong language can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic or disproportionate. Consider using milder terms like "unpleasant" or "disagreeable" for less serious offenses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a despicable person" functions as a noun phrase, where "despicable" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "person". It serves to categorize someone based on their perceived moral character. Ludwig AI indicates the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a despicable person" is an effective way to express strong disapproval or condemnation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct expression. Analysis of its usage patterns shows it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to convey negative judgments about individuals' actions or character. Related phrases, such as "a contemptible individual" or "a vile human being", offer similar but nuanced ways to express strong disapproval. When using the phrase "a despicable person", it is important to ensure that it aligns with context by avoiding the term in situations with a low level of disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a contemptible individual

Replaces "despicable" with "contemptible" and "person" with "individual", maintaining a formal tone but emphasizing worthlessness.

a vile human being

Substitutes "despicable" with "vile" and expands "person" to "human being", amplifying the negativity and focusing on inherent nature.

an abhorrent character

Replaces the entire phrase to focus on the character's repulsiveness, suitable for literary or moral contexts.

a loathsome individual

Uses "loathsome" to highlight the intense dislike the person evokes, suitable in contexts involving strong emotional reactions.

a reprehensible character

Replaces the entire phrase to underscore moral unacceptability, often used in formal or legal settings.

a wretched soul

Changes "person" to "soul" and "despicable" to "wretched", adding a layer of pity or lament to the disapproval.

a morally bankrupt person

Specifies the deficiency as moral, clarifying the nature of the person's reprehensibility.

a degenerate individual

Conveys a sense of decline or corruption in character, implying a deviation from societal norms.

an ignominious figure

Focuses on the shame and disgrace associated with the person, especially in public perception.

a dishonorable person

Highlights the lack of honor or integrity, typically used when trust or ethical standards are violated.

FAQs

How can I use "a despicable person" in a sentence?

You can use "a despicable person" to describe someone whose actions or character you find morally reprehensible. For instance, "He was revealed to be "a despicable person" after the scandal broke".

What are some alternatives to "a despicable person"?

Alternatives include "a contemptible individual", "a vile human being", or "an abhorrent character". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to call someone "a despicable person"?

Using such strong language should be reserved for situations where the person's behavior is genuinely morally reprehensible and deserving of severe condemnation. Consider the impact of your words and whether they are justified by the situation.

What distinguishes "a despicable person" from simply "a bad person"?

"A despicable person" suggests a higher degree of moral repugnance than simply "a bad person". It implies that the person's actions or character are not only wrong but also deserving of contempt and disgust. "A bad person" might make mistakes, but "a despicable person" is actively deserving of scorn.