Despicable

Despicable is an adjective used to describe actions, motives, or people that are morally reprehensible and deserving of contempt. It conveys a strong judgment, typically stronger than terms like mean or unpleasant.

The word derives from Latin despicabilis, meaning "worthy of being looked down on," from despicere, "to look down on" (de- meaning "down" + specere meaning "to look"). It entered English through French and has been in use since the early modern period.

Despicable describes conduct such as cruelty, exploitation, deceit, or betrayal that is considered morally corrupt. Because it signals moral condemnation, its use is common in criticism, journalism, and literary contexts. The adverb form is despicably, and the noun despicability exists but is uncommon.

Synonyms include contemptible, vile, deplorable, and shameless; antonyms include admirable, commendable, and laudable. In some situations, milder terms like reprehensible or unethical may be preferred, as despicable emphasizes deliberate moral wrongdoing rather than mere harm.

In contemporary usage, despicable appears in discussions of ethics, politics, or media to condemn actions or actors deemed especially unethical. The term also appears in popular culture, such as in titles or phrases that evoke strong moral judgment, illustrating its role as a pointed, nonneutral descriptor.