scurvy

1 of 2

noun

scur·​vy ˈskər-vē 

: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and a bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes

scurvy

2 of 2

adjective

: arousing disgust or scorn : contemptible, despicable

a scurvy trick

scurvily

ˈskər-və-lē 

adverb

scurviness

ˈskər-vē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

Adjective

• cheap
• contemptible
• cruddy
• deplorable
• despicable
• dirty
• grubby
• lame
• lousy
• mean
• nasty
• paltry
• pitiable
• pitiful
• ratty
• scabby
• scummy
• sneaking
• sorry
• wretched

Choose the Right Synonym for scurvy

contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn.

contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values.

a contemptible liar

despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation.

a despicable crime

pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity.

a pitiable attempt at tragedy

sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness.

this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car

scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust.

a scurvy crew of hangers-on

Examples of scurvy in a Sentence

Adjective

after winning the lottery, she was beset by a whole scurvy swarm of con artists, ne'er-do-wells, and hangers-on

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

When the men finally do unbutton their ruffled blouses, the women are greeted by signs of scurvy as well as a few abs. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2024

The average age of patients with scurvy was 2 years old. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Adjective

Numerous factors are potentially fuelling a scurvy resurgence, notably nutrient-deficient diets. —Richard Windsor, The Week Uk, theweek, 24 Oct. 2024

However, the good news is that scurvy is easy to combat and symptoms can be alleviated in as little as 24 hours. —New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Noun

scurf

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1565, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing scurvy

• scurvy grass

Kids Definition

scurvy

1 of 2 noun

scur·​vy ˈskər-vē 

: a disease caused by lack of vitamin C and characterized by loosening of the teeth, softening of the gums, and bleeding under the skin

scurvy

2 of 2 adjective

scurvier; scurviest

: contemptible, mean

a scurvy practice

Medical Definition

scurvy

noun

scur·​vy ˈskər-vē 

plural scurvies

: a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C and characterized by spongy gums, loosening of the teeth, and bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes

called also scorbutus