adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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UK:/dɪsˈdeɪn.fəl/
Southern-England:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
CMU ARPABET:D IH0 S D EY1 N F AH0 L
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adj
Meaning 1
Showing contempt or scorn; having a pronounced lack of concern for others viewed as unworthy.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
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.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adjective satellite
Meaning 2
having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy- W.L.Shirer
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
some economists are disdainful of their colleagues in other social disciplines
haughty aristocrats
his lordly manners were offensive
walked with a prideful swagger
very sniffy about breaches of etiquette
his mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air
