Word
disdain
Phoneticsdis·dain, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪsˈdeɪn/
UK/dɪsdˈeɪn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the feeling that someone or something does not deserve your respect. You feel this when you think something is low-quality or not worth your time.
n. a feeling of contempt or lack of respect for someone or something regarded as unworthy or inferior.
Examples
“She looked at the messy room with disdain.”
“The experienced chef treated the frozen ingredients with visible disdain, insisting on fresh produce for every dish.”
“His open disdain for the local customs made it difficult for him to build the trust necessary for a successful diplomatic mission.”
Examples
simple
“She looked at the messy room with disdain.”
contextual
“The experienced chef treated the frozen ingredients with visible disdain, insisting on fresh produce for every dish.”
complex
“His open disdain for the local customs made it difficult for him to build the trust necessary for a successful diplomatic mission.”
Usage
Often paired with the preposition 'for' ('disdain for something').
Real-World Examples
“Indeed the player's agent Fernando Hidalgo has been open with his disdain towards how his client has been treated this summer.” “In contrast, the fault-lines in Ange and Tony’s marriage are savagely revealed in his disdain of her, as much as she tries to cover it up with fake cheeriness.” “The president may disdain clean energy tech, but energy storage is also crucial for A.I.” Etymology
From Middle English disdeynen, from Old French desdeignier (modern French dédaigner).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disdain