# reprehensible

/ˌɹɛpɹɪˈhɛnsəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪpɹɪhˈɛnsəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reprehensible
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing behavior that is very bad and deserves strong criticism. You use this when someone does something that is clearly against the law or against what is right.

For teachers: deserving of strong disapproval or condemnation; morally wrong or illegal. Often used to describe actions that are socially unacceptable or violate established ethical standards.

## Examples

- The company's behavior was completely reprehensible.
- The politician's decision to accept bribes was a reprehensible act that led to his immediate resignation.
- While the individual's intentions may have been noble, the means he employed were so reprehensible that they overshadowed any potential positive outcome of the project.

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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.