disdainful

[ dis-deyn-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of or showing disdain; scornful.

   Synonyms: supercilious, haughty, derisive, contemptuous

disdainful

/ dɪsˈdeɪnfʊl /

adjective

1. showing or feeling disdain

Derived Forms

• disˈdainfulness, noun
• disˈdainfully, adverb

Other Words From

• dis·dain·ful·ly adverb
• dis·dain·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdainful¹

First recorded in 1535–45; disdain + -ful

Example Sentences

This time he is not just a disdainful bystander but one of the targets of the discontent, challenging him to navigate the treacherous waters of campus politics better than Lyndon B. Johnson did in 1968.

From New York Times

In playing Capote Tom Hollander sustains a constant level of pathetic deflation barely hidden by his disdainful behavior toward people who for reasons that are never persuasively explained, still care about him.

From Salon

Even DiCaprio was, at times, openly disdainful of his adolescent admirers; members of his entourage were known to dump water on fans loitering outside his apartment building.

From Los Angeles Times

"We will not accept such disdainful conduct against our constitution and our democracy," said Promise Mkwananzi, spokesman for the CCC.

From BBC

"And we need to find some safe middle ground where people know that the vaccine is safe for you," Tarlov says before being interrupted by Pirro's audibly disdainful "Ugh" at that remark.

From Salon

Related Words

• aloof
• arrogant
• averse
• contemptuous
• derisive
• haughty
• unsympathetic