detractor

American  

[dih-trak-ter] / dɪˈtræk tər /

noun

1. a person who tries to take away from the quality, value, or reputation of someone or something; critic.

   There were strong reactions after the film was screened in Israel, with the public divided between detractors and admirers.

---

Etymology

Origin of detractor

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin dētractor, equivalent to dētract(us) “drawn away” + -or -or ² ( def. ); detract ( def. )

Explanation

A detractor is someone who puts you down. When you're proposing ideas at work, your detractor is the person who finds fault with everything you say. Use the noun detractor for someone who is always critical. You might describe your brother as a detractor of the government if he complains incessantly about taxes, voting, the President, and all the members of Congress. If a person takes a dislike to you in particular, he is your own personal detractor. The origin of detractor goes back to the Latin word detrahere, "take down, pull down, or disparage."

Example Sentences

Moderna was the largest detractor among the 2025 picks, falling about 30%.

From Barron's • Dec. 12, 2025

But Nvidia was a major detractor to the index’s performance in November, he noted.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 1, 2025

Whether you are a supporter or a detractor of the BBC, I think everyone would agree these are incredibly testing times for the corporation.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025

And when you’re talking to a detractor who has renounced the cult of Michael inasmuch as it can be renounced, you’re also insulting them.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

Downstairs had the same problem, and with the added detractor of being dark, and me without a flashlight.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• critic