Condemnable

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kənˈdɛm.nə.bəl/

Definitions

1. Deserving strong disapproval or criticism due to being morally wrong or unacceptable
2. Deserving of severe disapproval as a result of immoral actions or behaviors deemed unacceptable by societal standards
3. Worthy of harsh judgement or reproach for actions or conduct considered to be morally objectionable or unworthy of acceptance

Etymology: Condemnable is a straightforward formation, and its surprises lie in its parts. The base is "condemn," which came into English through Old French "condamner" from Latin "condemnare," a compound of "con-" (an intensifying prefix, roughly "altogether") and "damnare," meaning to inflict a penalty or loss. Latin "damnare" itself grew from "damnum," meaning damage or loss, so the core idea is still money or harm lost, not sin. The suffix "-able" traces back through Old French "-able" to Latin "-ābilis," which marks something that can or should be done. Put together, "condemnable" describes what can or ought to be formally judged as deserving punishment or censure. English has used "condemn" since the Middle English period, when it was borrowed from Old French "condamner," and the adjective built on it follows that same pattern.

Synonyms: blameworthy, reprehensible, censurable, disgraceful, unacceptable

Antonyms: praiseworthy, commendable, laudable, acceptable, virtuous