1. showing or feeling that someone or something is worthless or deserving scorn

Examples

• She gave him a contemptuous look when he suggested the ridiculous plan.
• The critic’s contemptuous review destroyed the young author’s confidence.
• His contemptuous attitude toward his coworkers made him very unpopular.
• The judge was contemptuous of the defendant’s weak excuse.
• She spoke in a contemptuous tone about her former boss.
• The wealthy businessman was contemptuous of anyone he considered beneath his social status.