disparaging
Americanadjective
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
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of disparaging
First recorded in 1635–45; disparag(e) + -ing 2
Explanation
When you are disparaging, you express negative, low opinions in order to lower someone's reputation. Your friend will probably not appreciate it if you make disparaging comments about his girlfriend. In its original use, disparage meant "to marry unequally," and it was considered a disgrace if a very wealthy son married, say, the kitchen maid. Nowadays we use disparaging for any derogatory or belittling expression or comment. If you just won an Olympic gold medal, it's just rude and unnecessary to be disparaging about the silver medalist in an interview. Making disparaging remarks about your friend's cooking is unlikely to result in better food — he'll just get mad.
Vocabulary lists containing disparaging
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
And Then There Were None
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Rushing said Wednesday he said nothing disparaging toward Lee.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
She once received a refund after a flight attendant made a disparaging remark about how she was dressed.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026
Several people who worked with Foa suggested she could be intimidating and sometimes disparaging to people she worked with.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
A "Japan glazer" is "someone who puts everything that comes from Japan on a pedestal, while disparaging things that come from their own country", Louzembi said.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
It annoys a certain lady that her spouse has such supreme faith in the British, and a certain husband attacks his wife because of her teasing and disparaging remarks about his beloved nation!
From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
