derogatory

adjective

de·rog·a·to·ry di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē

Synonyms of derogatory next

: expressive of a low opinion : disparaging

derogatory remarks

a derogatory term

: detracting from the character or standing of something

—often used with to, towards, or of

… abstained from saying a word derogatory to his new friend's religion …—

Anthony Trollope

derogatorily

di-ˌrä-gə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē

adverb

Did you know?

What is a derogatory Credit Report?

When derogatory first began to be used in English it had the meaning “detracting from the character or standing of something.” It comes from the verb derogate, which can be traced to the Latin word derogare (“to detract” or “to annul (a law)”). Derogatory quickly took on the additional meaning “disdainful, disparaging,” as may be seen in the word’s frequent use in “derogatory comment.” Derogatory is increasingly seen today in credit reports, although it should not be taken as a credit card company making unkind comments on the character of the cardholder. In this context it refers to something (such as a late payment, foreclosure, or bankruptcy) that will have a negative effect on a person’s credit score.

Examples of derogatory in a Sentence

The aroma of wine made from Concord … grapes is often described as "foxy," a wine term as derogatory as it is vague. —

Danny May et al., Berkshire Home Style, March 2007

In Powell's memoir, Lemann points out, terms like "expert" and "academic" are clearly derogatory. —

Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 Feb. 2001

Unfortunately, the codes were badly explained and ham-handedly enforced. At Michigan an interpretive guide called "What Students Should Know … " went beyond the scope of the actual code in saying that even a derogatory comment … would be punished by the university. —

Laurence R. Stains, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 1993

fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Read Article > In this world, there are divorced men (fact) and men who are the most divorced (derogatory). —

Vox Staff, Vox, 5 Nov. 2024 The more routine intelligence sharing with immigration judges is aimed at allowing U.S. immigration courts to more regularly incorporate derogatory information into their decisions. —

Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2024 The plaques accompanying the statues also included some of the derogatory comments made in Trump's Access Hollywood tape. —

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Biden himself took to social media to reiterate his stance, asserting that the derogatory comments made about Puerto Rico at Trump’s rally do not represent the nation’s values. —

Nik Popli, TIME, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for derogatory