# scorn

/ˈskɔɹn/ (US) · /skˈɔːn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scorn
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a strong feeling that someone or something is worthless and does not deserve any respect. You feel this when you think someone is far below you or has done something very bad.

For teachers: a feeling of contempt or disdain toward a person or object considered despicable or unworthy. Often implies a sense of superiority on the part of the observer.

## Examples

- He looked at the cheap toy with scorn.
- The politician's proposal was met with scorn by the public, who felt it ignored their most basic needs.
- The artist treated the critics' negative reviews with quiet scorn, refusing to acknowledge their authority to judge his experimental new direction.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows the prepositions 'with' or 'in', and often takes the preposition 'for' to indicate the target of the feeling.

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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.