adjective

despicable

di-SPIK-uh-bul/dɪˈspɪkəbl/

Deserving strong dislike because of morally bad behavior.

Stealing the blind musician's earnings is despicable behavior.

A passerby steals a blind street musician’s earnings, lifting coins from his open guitar case while concealing another handful in her pocket.

Etymology

deLatindown

+spicLatinto look at

+ableLatincapable or worthy of being

Looking down became an image for regarding someone with contempt. The adjective ending makes despicable something deserving that contempt, giving the word its force of moral condemnation.

In context

The Humanist Report74:23

all comes to pass Joe Biden is now scrambling to protect that industry and he's doing it by lying to the democratic party base this is absolutely morally reprehensible and despicable

PMCEHAI HTE EHTMOR RUFCKE | Episode 211 (September 27, 2019)

More examples

They condemned the despicable act.
His excuse was despicable.
She exposed a despicable scheme.

Forms

despicable

despise verb — regard with strong contempt

Similar words

contemptible: Deserving scorn because of low character.
vile: Emphasizes extreme moral ugliness or repulsiveness.