Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

disdainful

/dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.35 in modern English

Syllables: dis-dain-ful
IPA: /dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/

15

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

3

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Showing contempt or scorn; having a pronounced lack of concern for others viewed as unworthy.

Example Sentences

"He was disdainful of those he thought of as the little people. He openly sneered at them. They mocked him behind his back."
"She glimpsed at the people whom she had left behind, and smirked in the most disdainful manner towards them."

Etymology

From disdain + -ful.

Word Breakdown

Suffix: disdain

Regional Pronunciation

British English: /dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/

Inflected Forms

more disdainful (comparative) most disdainful (superlative) disdainfull (alternative, obsolete)

Derived Forms

disdainfully disdainfulness

Frequently Paired Words

abusive condescending degrading disparaging patronizing

Synonyms

despising scornful contemptuous supercilious belittling blistering contumelious deprecative derogative disdainful dismissive disrespectful

Antonyms

respectful despicable

Rhymes With

painful gainful

Questions

How do you pronounce disdainful?: The recorded pronunciation is /dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/.
What does disdainful mean?: Showing contempt or scorn; having a pronounced lack of concern for others viewed as unworthy.
Where does disdainful come from?: From disdain + -ful.

How to pronounce disdainful

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “disdainful”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “disdainful”.
Repeat and practice — Say “disdainful” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.