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.

Contemptible is used to describe something that deserves contempt; it's despicable or worthless.
Contemptuous is used to describe a feeling of contempt that someone has for something or someone.
Use contemptible when you are labeling the object of contempt.
Use contemptuous when you are describing the subject acting with disdain.
Remember: contemptible refers to what is being judged, while contemptuous refers to the one doing the judging.