Despicableness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being morally reprehensible; the state of deserving contempt or strong disapproval; characterized by vile or shameful behavior
2. A condition marked by extreme unpleasantness or degradation; the attribute of actions or traits that evoke disgust or scorn; reflective of deep immorality
3. The characteristic of being lowly and contemptible; a nature that prompts condemnation or strong dislike; indicating behavior that is base or dishonorable

Etymology: Despicableness is a straightforward formation: the adjective "despicable" with the suffix "-ness" attached, turning a quality into a noun for that quality. The suffix itself has a long lineage. Its ancestors reach back through Proto-Germanic forms to Proto-Indo-European roots, where it was used to build abstract nouns, and it came into English through Old English "-nes" and Middle English "-nesse" before settling into the modern "-ness" we use today. The adjective underneath it, "despicable," comes from Latin "despicabilis," built from "despicari," meaning "to look down upon," and so it carries the same sense of looking down on someone that the modern word still conveys. Once the suffix is added, the word names the condition itself rather than the thing that is despicable, so a person can be said to show despicableness in their conduct.

Synonyms: contemptibility, wretchedness, detestability, abhorrence

Antonyms: admirability, worthiness, honorableness, respectability