of low character; mean-spirited
Describes a person whose nature or conduct is base, vulgar, or morally low. Often used in formal or critical contexts.
Everyone was disgusted by his low, mean behavior.
I don't want to associate with people of low character.
下品 is a more common word for 'vulgar' or 'crude', while 品性下劣 is stronger and more formal, emphasizing a fundamental lack of moral character.
卑劣 means 'mean' or 'cowardly' and focuses on actions, whereas 品性下劣 describes the person's inherent low character.
A compound of 品性 (character, moral quality) and 下劣 (low, base). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of four-character Sino-Japanese compounds.