Contemptible-Contemptuous | Commonly Confused Words

Contemptible

/kənˈtɛm(p)tɪb(ə)l/

Worthy of disdain or disgust; very low in moral quality

His contemptible behavior was exposed during the trial.Stealing from the needy is a contemptible act.Her contemptible remarks shocked the audience.

/kənˈtemptʃuəs/

Feeling or showing deep dislike or disapproval for someone or something considered unworthy

He gave a contemptuous laugh at the notion.Her contemptuous glare withered the air around.They made a contemptuous gesture of dismissal.

The word contemptible is used to describe something that deserves contempt, such as a despicable act.
Contemptuous is used to describe the feeling of contempt or scorn one has towards a person or object.
To remember: contemptible ends in -ible, similar to despicable, which is something that deserves scorn.
Contemptuous ends in -uous, and is used to describe the attitude or feeling someone has.
Think of contemptible as the target of scorn, and contemptuous as the expression of scorn.