belittle
verb (used with object)
to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.
belittling
-
present participleof belittle.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not the belittling of those with whom you disagree.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
In 2015, she was suspended for a week after a video surfaced of her yelling at and belittling a towing company employee.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
Given that AI uses a tremendous amount of energy and water, public servants should be applying it towards solving society’s most intractable problems, not creating racist tropes or belittling people for exercising their democratic rights.
From Salon ● Nov. 29, 2025
They say Judge Philip Lancaster was belittling and intimidating and made them feel stupid while they presented their cases.
From BBC ● Sep. 24, 2024
It probably seemed like I was belittling a moment they'd been waiting years to experience.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
