What does execrable mean?
"Execrable" is a formal adjective describing something utterly detestable — so bad that it merits hatred, curses, or outright condemnation. It can apply to conduct regarded as morally abhorrent ("an execrable act of betrayal") or, more commonly in modern usage, to anything of shockingly poor quality ("execrable service," "execrable prose"). The word derives from the Latin exsecrari, meaning "to curse" — literally to call something out from the sacred realm and devote it to destruction — which gives it a vivid, almost ritual force: an execrable thing is not merely unpleasant but worthy of being cursed. Because of its intensity and formal tone, it appears most often in criticism, reviews, and literary writing rather than everyday speech. Its derivatives include the verb "execrate" (to loathe or denounce) and the noun "execration." For writers seeking a weightier alternative to "terrible" or "awful," "execrable" offers precision and bite, though its severity means it should be reserved for things truly deserving contempt.
Utterly detestable or abominable; deserving of hatred or condemnation.
"The dictator's execrable treatment of prisoners shocked the world."
Often used of morally repugnant actions or conduct.
Of extremely poor or appalling quality; very bad.
"The hotel's execrable food was the least of its problems."
This is now the more common sense, especially in British English criticism.
The ancient Romans literally wished bad things 'out of the sacred' — and that curse is buried inside every use of "execrable" today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of execrable
"Execrable" comes from the Latin exsecrabilis, derived from exsecrari, "to curse or denounce," formed from ex- ("out") plus sacer/sacrare ("sacred, to consecrate"). To the Romans, cursing meant calling something out of the sacred sphere, devoting it to divine punishment. The word entered English via French in the late Middle Ages/early modern period, first attested around the early 16th century, alongside its cognates "execrate" and "execration." These share the same Latin sacr- root as "consecrate," "sacred," "sacrifice," and "desecrate."
Related word forms
How execrable is actually used
Formal to literary in register; rare in casual conversation. It carries a strong connotation of moral or aesthetic condemnation rather than mere dislike. The pronunciation has four syllables (EK-si-krə-bəl), not three.
Easily confused with execrable
"Excruciable" is not a standard English word; the correct word is "excruciating," meaning intensely painful, whereas "execrable" means detestable or of terrible quality.