disparaging

[dih-spar-i-jing]

adjective

1. that disparages; tending to belittle or bring reproach upon.

   a disparaging remark.

Sensitive Note

In this dictionary, the label Disparaging indicates that a term or definition is used with a deliberate intent to disparage, as to belittle a particular ethnic, religious, or social group. It is often paired with the label Offensive, which describes a term that gives offense whether or not any offense was intended.

Other Word Forms

• disparagingly adverb
• nondisparaging adjective
• self-disparaging adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparaging¹

First recorded in 1635–45; disparag(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“I don’t like using a book to refute things or to say anything disparaging about another person,” she clarifies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He wants a full retraction of the Panorama documentary, an apology for the "false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading and inflammatory statements" made about him in it, and appropriate compensation "for the harm caused".

Read more on BBC

It accuses the BBC of making "false, defamatory, disparaging, misleading, and inflammatory statements" about him.

Read more on BBC

He added that US rhetoric over Nigeria had been "disparaging" and that "dialogue and cooperation" should "remain the standard in engagement between and among sovereign states".

Read more on Barron's

Despite his recent apology for disparaging cops, he still disagrees with Ms. Tisch on the fundamentals of policing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• defamatory 
• derogatory 
• snide 
• unfavorable