contemptible

/kənˈtɛm(p)təbəl/

/kənˈtɛmptɪbəl/

Someone or something that's contemptible receives harsh judgment and deserves it. Your desire to bring to justice the contemptible coward who stole your last chocolate bar seemed noble, until you realized you'd eaten it the night before.

Contemptible means "worthy of contempt," and is one of several words of its kind that end with -ible rather than -able, which would mean something more like "capable of contempt," (and isn't a word). You could remember that “I find it contemptible!” begins with “I.” If you don't, some will consider your spelling errors to be minor offenses, while others will declare them . . . contemptible!

Definitions of contemptible

1. adjective

   deserving of contempt or scorn
   synonyms: misbegotten

   abject, low, low-down, miserable, scummy, scurvy

   of the most contemptible kind

   bastardly, mean

   of no value or worth

   pathetic, pitiable, pitiful

   inspiring mixed contempt and pity

   ignoble

   completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose

   unworthy

   lacking in value or merit

   antonyms:

   estimable

   deserving of respect or high regard

   admirable

   deserving of the highest esteem or admiration

   worthy

   having worth or merit or value; being honorable or admirable