1
Core quality
Deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
Example
The inquiry called the deliberate abuse reprehensible.
reprehensible
/ˌreprɪˈhensəbəl/ · rep-rih-HEN-suh-buladjective
Deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
Use reprehensible to express this relationship precisely: deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
What reprehensible Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Concealing the safety risk was both illegal and reprehensible.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The novel portrays the betrayal as reprehensible, not merely imprudent.
Use reprehensible Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The inquiry called the deliberate abuse reprehensible.
Concealing the safety risk was both illegal and reprehensible.
The novel portrays the betrayal as reprehensible, not merely imprudent.
Precision Matters
Reprehensible overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
reprehensible
vs.Means deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
exemplary
Means outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
reprehensible
vs.Means deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
reprehensible
vs.Means deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
condone
Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
reprehensible
vs.Means deserving severe criticism, condemnation, or punishment because it is morally wrong.
egregious
Means outstandingly and conspicuously bad, wrong, or offensive.
Test reprehensible in Context
The conduct is morally wrong and deserves severe condemnation.
1
The panel described the deliberate exploitation of children as ___.