# scorned

/ˈskɔɹnd/ (US) · /skˈɔːnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scorned
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to treat someone or something as being of very low quality or value. You use this when you want to show you think something is not worth your time or attention.

For teachers: to treat something as being of little value or importance; to look down upon. Often used to describe a dismissive attitude toward a person's behavior or a specific activity.

## Examples

- The critics scorned the new movie for being too long.
- Many traditionalists scorned the new technology, believing it would destroy the way people used to communicate.
- The establishment scorned the young artist's unconventional methods, yet his work eventually became the standard for the next generation of painters.

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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.