derogatory

[dih-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]

adjective

1. tending to lessen the merit or reputation of a person or thing; disparaging; depreciatory.

   a derogatory remark.

   Synonyms: uncomplimentary

derogatory

/ -trɪ, dɪˈrɒɡətərɪ /

adjective

1. tending or intended to detract, disparage, or belittle; intentionally offensive

Other Word Forms

• derogatorily adverb
• derogatoriness noun
• nonderogatorily adverb
• nonderogatorilyness noun
• nonderogatory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derogatory¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; from Late Latin dērogātōrius “belonging to a repeal”; equivalent to derogate + -tory ¹

Example Sentences

It heard that Norris had been involved in clashes with Muslim prisoners, including claims that he had thrown excrement and used derogatory terms, which he denied.

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"The things I'd hear were hurtful and derogatory towards my community," he says.

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Court papers state Ms Bunyan accused Mr Renteria of also making derogatory comments about her appearance and threatening to affect her immigration status.

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The latter segment was in breach of guidance that prohibits "unduly intimidating, humiliating, intrusive, aggressive or derogatory remarks aimed at real people", the ruling said.

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The arriving officers were then directed to a utility box where someone had written derogatory statements against the LGBTQ+ community.

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Related Words

• defamatory 
• degrading 
• demeaning 
• disparaging 
• sarcastic 
• slanderous 
• unflattering