Found to be contemptible (4)
I believe the answer is:
base
I believe this is a double definition.
'found' is the first definition.
(thesaurus)
'contemptible' is the second definition.
('base' can be a synonym of 'contemptible')
'to be' is the link.
(Other definitions for base that I've seen before include "Foundation; counterfeit" , "Low and contemptible" , "Bottom; vile" , "centre from which soldiers operate" , "Reprobate" .)