# contemptuous

/kənˈtɛmptʃuəs/ (US) · /kəntˈɛmptʃuːəs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contemptuous
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

showing that you think someone or something is worthless and you have no respect for them.

For teachers: expressing or feeling deep disrespect or scorn toward a person or thing considered inferior or worthless. Often describes tone, facial expression, or manner.

## Examples

- She gives him a contemptuous look and walks away.
- The manager makes a contemptuous remark about the interns' ideas without listening to their full proposal.
- With a contemptuous wave of his hand, the critic dismisses years of careful research as mere fashion.

## Synonyms

scornful, disdainful

## Antonyms

respectful

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; also used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'seem'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.