opprobrious

/əˈproʊbriəs/

Other forms: opprobriously

Opprobrious is a heavy-duty word to describe something taunting or shameful. Opprobrious words criticize in a mean, hurtful way.

Opprobrious comes from the Latin opprobare which means "to reproach or taunt." If someone is being opprobrious, she's being abusive and mean. Insults are opprobrious, while constructive criticism is not. No one wants to be treated in an opprobrious way. We can also use this word for bad behavior that causes shame — someone cheating on a test is opprobrious. Opprobrious actions are disgraceful, ignominious, and inglorious.

Definitions of opprobrious

1. adjective

   expressing offensive reproach
   synonyms: abusive, scurrilous

   offensive

   causing anger or annoyance
2. adjective

   (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
   “an opprobrious monument to human greed”

   synonyms: disgraceful, ignominious, inglorious, shameful

   dishonorable, dishonourable

   lacking honor or integrity; deserving dishonor