Deplorable vs. Despicable — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 1, 2024
Deplorable refers to conditions or situations warranting strong disapproval, often due to poor quality, whereas despicable points to behaviors or actions that are morally reprehensible.
Difference Between Deplorable and Despicable
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Key Differences
Deplorable is primarily used to describe situations or conditions that are shockingly bad in quality or morally unacceptable, suggesting deep disapproval or disappointment. On the other hand, despicable is more directly associated with actions or behaviors that are morally vile or contemptible, evoking a sense of loathing or hatred.
Deplorable often implies a level of sadness or pity about the state of something, suggesting that it could or should be better. Whereas, despicable implies a strong moral judgement, indicating that something is not just bad but inherently evil or unethical.
The term deplorable can be applicable in a broader context, such as living conditions, social situations, or states of neglect. Despicable, however, is typically reserved for describing people or their specific actions, especially those that betray basic human decency.
In common usage, deplorable might be used in more formal or political contexts to criticize policies, places, or events. On the other hand, despicable is often used in personal contexts to express disgust at someone’s actions or character.
Deplorable conditions often evoke sympathy or a call for improvement or reform. In contrast, despicable behavior usually results in condemnation or ostracism, emphasizing a societal rejection of the behavior or character in question.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Worthy of severe condemnation or disapproval due to quality.
Worthy of hatred or scorn due to moral reprehensibility.
Context of use
Often relates to conditions or situations.
Typically refers to individual behaviors or characters.
Connotation
Implies disappointment and a need for improvement.
Implies ethical or moral condemnation.
Typical usage
Political, social, and environmental contexts.
Personal judgments and ethical discussions.
Emotional response
Elicits sadness or a call for action.
Elicits disgust or moral outrage.
Compare with Definitions
Deplorable
Deserving strong condemnation.
The lack of action on climate change is deplorable.
Despicable
Worthy of scorn.
His behavior towards his family was despicable.
Deplorable
Extremely poor or inadequate.
The living conditions in the camp were deplorable.
Despicable
Morally reprehensible.
Stealing from the poor is despicable.
Deplorable
Pitiable; lamentable.
The team's performance was deplorable.
Despicable
Extremely unpleasant or nasty.
The conditions in the prison were despicable.
Deplorable
Shockingly bad in quality.
The service at the restaurant was deplorable.
Despicable
Deserving hatred and contempt.
His betrayal was seen as despicable.
Deplorable
Worthy of disapproval.
Their disregard for safety was deplorable.
Despicable
Low and vile.
The plot to cheat the contest was despicable.
Deplorable
Worthy of severe condemnation or reproach
A deplorable act of violence.
Despicable
Deserving of contempt or scorn; vile.
Deplorable
Lamentable; woeful
My finances were in a deplorable state of neglect.
Despicable
Fit or deserving to be despised; contemptible; mean.
Deplorable
Wretched; bad
Deplorable housing conditions in the inner city.
Despicable
A wretched or wicked person.
Deplorable
Deserving strong condemnation; shockingly bad, wretched.
Poor children suffer permanent damage due to deplorable living conditions and deplorable treatment by law enforcement.
Poor children are often accused of having deplorable manners, when they are, in fact, simply responding to society in ways that mirror how society treats them.
Despicable
Fit or deserving to be despised; contemptible; mean; vile; worthless; as, a despicable man; despicable company; a despicable gift.
Deplorable
To be felt sorrow for; worthy of compassion; lamentable.
We were all saddened by the deplorable death of his son.
Despicable
Worthy only of being despised and rejected;
A contemptible lack of courage
A little, wretched, despicable creature, a worm, a mere nothing...that has risen up in contempt against the majesty of Heaven and earth
Deplorable
A person or thing that is to be deplored.
Despicable
Morally reprehensible;
Would do something as despicable as murder
Ugly crimes
The vile development of slavery appalled them
Deplorable
A Trumpist conservative, in reference to a 2016 speech by Hillary Clinton calling half of Donald Trump's supporters a "basket of deplorables".
Deplorable
Worthy of being deplored or lamented; lamentable; causing grief; hence, sad; calamitous; grievous; wretched; as, life's evils are deplorable.
Individual sufferers are in a much more deplorable conditious than any others.
Deplorable
Bad; unfortunate;
My finances were in a deplorable state
A lamentable decision
Her clothes were in sad shape
A sorry state of affairs
Deplorable
Of very poor quality or condition;
Deplorable housing conditions in the inner city
Woeful treatment of the accused
Woeful errors of judgment
Deplorable
Bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure;
A criminal waste of talent
A deplorable act of violence
Adultery is as reprehensible for a husband as for a wife
Common Curiosities
Can "despicable" be used for situations?
It's less common; "despicable" is primarily used for people or actions.
Is "deplorable" always negative?
Yes, it always carries a negative connotation.
What is the primary emotion associated with something deplorable?
Disappointment and disapproval.
Is "despicable" stronger than "deplorable"?
Yes, "despicable" often carries a stronger moral condemnation.
Can the term "deplorable" be used for people?
Yes, but it's more commonly applied to situations or conditions.
Are there synonyms for "deplorable"?
Yes, synonyms include terrible, awful, and pitiful.
Are there synonyms for "despicable"?
Yes, synonyms include vile, loathsome, and detestable.
How can "deplorable" be used in a sentence?
"The politician described the housing crisis as deplorable."
What is the primary emotion associated with something despicable?
Hatred and contempt.
Can someone be both deplorable and despicable?
Yes, particularly if their actions are both poor in quality and morally reprehensible.
How can "despicable" be used in a sentence?
"She called the criminal's actions despicable."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
