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

“Racist disparaging comments about any child in our Long Beach schools should never be tolerated,” she said.

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“To date, Ray J has not retracted his knowingly false and disparaging statement,” the lawsuit says.

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The case against Landa-Rodriguez and four other Mexican Mafia members was roiled when it emerged that Rocha had secretly recorded himself disparaging his government handlers.

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Those disparaging words tumbled out of the mouths of several former Rangers players inside Ibrox on Thursday after the Europa League defeat by Genk - a fourth in their past seven games under Russell Martin.

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Some online commenters have declared themselves “team robot” while others have made disparaging remarks about his disability.

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Related Words

• defamatory 
• derogatory 
• snide 
• unfavorable