Disdainful/dɪsˈdeɪnfl/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Tone Disdainful often carries a strong negative emotion, expressing a lack of respect. His disdainful comments about the amateur performance were hurtful. Pro Tip 2/3Body Language A disdainful attitude can be conveyed through body language, not just words. She looked at the messy room with a disdainful eye roll. Pro Tip 3/3Social Situations Using 'disdainful' may suggest a hierarchical view of social interactions. At the gala, his disdainful manner made him unpopular.