derogatory
adjective
Anthony Trollope
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What is a derogatory Credit Report?
When derogatory first began to be used in English it had the meaning “detracting from the character or standing of something.” It comes from the verb derogate, which can be traced to the Latin word derogare (“to detract” or “to annul (a law)”). Derogatory quickly took on the additional meaning “disdainful, disparaging,” as may be seen in the word’s frequent use in “derogatory comment.” Derogatory is increasingly seen today in credit reports, although it should not be taken as a credit card company making unkind comments on the character of the cardholder. In this context it refers to something (such as a late payment, foreclosure, or bankruptcy) that will have a negative effect on a person’s credit score.
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Examples of derogatory in a Sentence
Danny May et al., Berkshire Home Style, March 2007
In Powell's memoir, Lemann points out, terms like "expert" and "academic" are clearly derogatory.
—Franklin Foer, New Republic, 5 Feb. 2001
Unfortunately, the codes were badly explained and ham-handedly enforced. At Michigan an interpretive guide called "What Students Should Know … " went beyond the scope of the actual code in saying that even a derogatory comment … would be punished by the university.
—Laurence R. Stains, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 1993
fans made a steady stream of derogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team
Erin Cox, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024
And vandals would spray paint derogatory messages on the Handy Corner Market’s wall, turning it into a slander message board.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for derogatory 
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“Derogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derogatory. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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derogatory
adjective
More from Merriam-Webster on derogatory
Nglish: Translation of derogatory for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of derogatory for Arabic Speakers
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