contemptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone deserving of contempt or disdain. Example: "His contemptible behavior during the meeting shocked everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The son of a doctor who helped pioneer the treatment of HIV, he was clearly upset at Nigel Farage's contemptible pre-election attempt to tap into resentment of foreign-born HIV-positive patients.

The Guardian - Opinion

I could never have imagined that freezing walks and scandalous vets' bills would one day feel like no trouble at all To the non-dog owner, I know how contemptible all this might sound.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The manager has been exposed to security threats recently and Peat said: "I admire Neil's courage in handling the abhorrent and contemptible behaviour to which he has been subjected and put on record my condemnation of such cowardly acts.

The Guardian - Sport

Art has led the way in seeing mental illness not as alien or contemptible but part of the human condition – even as a positive and useful experience.

The Guardian

The anti-politics mood is rising, and its rivals' countermeasures have been contemptible.

The Economist

The whole of American government, he says, is corrupt and contemptible; the capital suffers a "total lack of honesty and integrity".

The Economist

It was a contemptible televised circus in which the politics of race conspired with police and judicial incompetence to let a murder go unpunished.

The Economist

Any action would probably take place well after election day.Still, this is pretty contemptible stuff, even if it dances just within the bounds of the law.

The Economist

But while the symbolism of a children's holiday may be of limited consequence, the contemptible racial attitudes it has exposed are not.

The Economist

His praise long ago for Mussolini was indeed contemptible, but if there is such a thing as redemption in politics Mr Fini deserves his chance.

The Economist

This was not unreasonable; but the threatening way it negotiated, the craven way England and Australia accommodated it, and the resulting impoverishment of Pakistan, New Zealand and other poorer cricket nations were contemptible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemptible" when you want to express strong disapproval and moral judgment towards someone or something. Ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

Common error

Avoid using "contemptible" in situations that only warrant mild disapproval. Using such a strong word inappropriately can make your writing sound overly dramatic or hyperbolic. Consider less intense synonyms like "unpleasant" or "undesirable" in milder contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "contemptible" functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that it is deserving of contempt. It expresses a strong negative judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "contemptible" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to express strong disapproval. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic sources, it conveys a negative judgment or disdain. Remember to wield this strong term judiciously to avoid exaggeration. Consider alternatives like "despicable" or "reprehensible" for nuanced expression. This analysis has considered various examples to offer a comprehensive understanding of its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despicable

Indicates a strong feeling of disgust and disapproval, similar to "contemptible" but potentially stronger.

reprehensible

Stresses the blameworthy and deserving of censure quality, akin to the moral condemnation in "contemptible".

vile

Emphasizes the extremely unpleasant and morally bad nature, similar to the strong disapproval conveyed by "contemptible".

deplorable

Focuses on the regrettable and morally wrong nature of something, overlapping with the sense of "contemptible".

shameful

Focuses on the feeling of humiliation and dishonor, aligning with the negative moral judgment in "contemptible".

loathsome

Emphasizes the hatefulness and repulsiveness of something, conveying intense dislike similar to "contemptible".

abominable

Highlights the intensely disliked or hated nature of something, mirroring the severe disapproval in "contemptible".

disgraceful

Points out the loss of honor or respect, connecting to the shame associated with something "contemptible".

offensive

Highlights the upsetting or insulting nature, hinting at the disrespect implied by something "contemptible".

wretched

Indicates a miserable or despicable quality, relating to the negative evaluation inherent in "contemptible".

FAQs

How can I use "contemptible" in a sentence?

You can use "contemptible" to describe actions, behaviors, or people that deserve strong disapproval. For example, "His "contemptible actions" shocked everyone present."

What are some synonyms for "contemptible"?

Alternatives to "contemptible" include "despicable", "reprehensible", or "loathsome", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "contemptible" in formal writing?

Yes, "contemptible" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to express a strong moral judgment. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "contemptible" and "despicable"?

"Contemptible" implies deserving contempt, while "despicable" suggests something is worthy of being despised and looked down upon. They are very similar, but "despicable" carries a slightly stronger emotional charge.