adjective
scurvy
Deserving contempt because of mean or dishonorable behavior.
That scurvy landlord keeps every deposit without a valid reason.
Etymology
The adjective belongs to the scurf word family and originally suggested a scabby or diseased condition. It became a moral insult for low, contemptible conduct.
More examples
- Lying to your best friend is a scurvy trick.
- No one trusts the scurvy official who takes bribes.
- She refuses to join their scurvy scheme.
Forms
scurvy · scurvier · scurviest
Similar words
- contemptible
- Emphasizes deserving scorn, without specifying meanness or dishonesty.
- dishonorable
- Focuses on violating standards of honesty or integrity.
- despicable
- Expresses stronger disgust at someone's conduct or character.