utterly contemptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly contemptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that is deserving of strong disdain or scorn. Example: "The politician's actions were utterly contemptible, leading to widespread outrage among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Most Muslims regard terrorists acting in the name of their religion as utterly contemptible.

Independent

"The attack on a very illustrious Australian jurist... is utterly contemptible," he said.

The Guardian

If Mona is weak, Nicholas is utterly contemptible, so insubstantial that "in a suit, he looked disguised, a youngster trying to sucker someone into believing him grown up".

The New York Times - Books

"It is tragic that another family has been plunged into despair and grief as a result of a savage and cowardly attack," said John Reid, Britain's secretary of state for Northern Ireland, calling the attack "utterly contemptible".

The New York Times

Those advertisements follow months of similar hyperbole and insinuation in which Mr. Allard, Mr. Strickland and their surrogates have done everything possible to cast the opponent as an utterly contemptible choice for senator.

The New York Times

She had launched an "utterly contemptible attack on Rona Fairhead in her capacity as chair of the BBC Trust, which you speciously linked to her former role in HSBC," he wrote.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Too contemptible.

The New York Times

It's contemptible.Yikes.Yikes

The Economist

It's the contemptible fleecing the contemptible.

The New York Times - Arts

That is contemptible.

The Economist

This view is contemptible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly contemptible" to express strong moral disapproval or disgust towards actions, behaviors, or individuals. It is best suited for situations where the level of disdain is particularly intense.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly contemptible" in everyday, casual conversation. Its intensity can sound overly dramatic or insincere in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly contemptible" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to strongly emphasize the reprehensible nature of something. The adverb "utterly" boosts the negative connotation of the adjective "contemptible".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly contemptible" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey strong disapproval or disgust. As Ludwig AI confirms, it combines the intensifier "utterly" with the adjective "contemptible" to amplify the negative sentiment. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to condemn actions, behaviors, or individuals deemed deeply offensive. While suitable for formal writing, it should be used judiciously in casual settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Alternatives include "completely despicable" and "totally reprehensible", offering nuanced ways to express similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely despicable

Replaces 'utterly' with 'completely' and 'contemptible' with 'despicable', offering a slightly stronger emotional tone.

totally reprehensible

Substitutes both words to convey a similar level of moral condemnation.

absolutely loathsome

Uses 'loathsome' to emphasize the feeling of disgust and aversion.

thoroughly detestable

Replaces 'contemptible' with 'detestable', indicating something that inspires intense dislike.

downright abhorrent

Emphasizes the repugnance and offensiveness of something.

utterly appalling

Shifts the focus slightly to the shocking and upsetting nature of something.

completely offensive

Focuses on the quality of causing outrage or hurt feelings.

absolutely disgraceful

Highlights the shamefulness and unacceptability of an action or behavior.

thoroughly disgusting

Emphasizes the repulsive and unpleasant nature of something.

totally inexcusable

Focuses on the lack of justification or defense for an action.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "utterly contemptible" in a sentence?

Use "utterly contemptible" to describe something that evokes strong disdain or scorn. For example, "The politician's actions were "utterly contemptible", leading to widespread outrage."

What are some alternatives to "utterly contemptible"?

You can use alternatives like "completely despicable", "totally reprehensible", or "absolutely loathsome" depending on the context and the intensity of the feeling you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "utterly contemptible" instead of a milder expression?

Use "utterly contemptible" when you want to express a very strong feeling of disdain or moral outrage. It's suitable when the subject of your disapproval is particularly egregious or offensive.

Is "utterly contemptible" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "utterly contemptible" can be used in formal writing, particularly in news reports, opinion pieces, or academic analyses where strong condemnation is warranted. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it is appropriate.