derogatory

adjective

de·​rog·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce derogatory (audio)
1
: expressive of a low opinion : disparaging
derogatory remarks
a derogatory term
2
: detracting from the character or standing of something
often used with to, towards, or of
… abstained from saying a word derogatory to his new friend's religion …Anthony Trollope
derogatorily adverb

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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.

Examples of derogatory in a Sentence

The aroma of wine made from Concord … grapes is often described as "foxy," a wine term as derogatory as it is vague. 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
Recent Examples on the Web Trump’s derogatory comments regarding late Sen. John McCain’s service also ring in my head. Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2024 The probable cause statement says that days after the slaying, the thread showed some of the suspects discussing news coverage of Bernardo’s death and making derogatory statements about his sexuality and stating that gay people were not allowed on Phoenix’s north side. Brittany Morris, NBC News, 26 Jan. 2024 Others capture soldiers vandalizing local shops and school classrooms, making derogatory comments about Palestinians, bulldozing what appear to be civilian areas and calling for the building of Israeli settlements in Gaza, an inflammatory idea that is promoted by some far-right Israeli politicians. Chevaz Clarke, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 Those demands were issued after De León was caught on tape participating in a conversation featuring racist and derogatory remarks and behind-the-scenes machinations over the city’s redistricting process. David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2024 Alleged racially derogatory acts and comments A July 2020 promotion as general manager of the Lawyers Road Bojangles location was a ticket out of limbo, according to court documents, and into a worse situation laden with regular racist remarks. Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2024 That was when Omarion and his mother learned that he had been targeted with racial slurs and derogatory stereotypes during his match. Cathie Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2024 Alleging a conspiracy to commit fraud, to spread false and derogatory information about Lord Energy, and to manipulate markets, the suit seeks more than $2.7 billion in damages and compensation. David D. Kirkpatrick, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2024 Note: Black and tan is a derogatory term for this drink and one not typically used in Ireland. Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'derogatory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see derogate

First Known Use

circa 1503, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of derogatory was circa 1503

Dictionary Entries Near derogatory

Cite this Entry

“Derogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derogatory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

derogatory

adjective
de·​rog·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈräg-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce derogatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
1
: intended to lower the reputation of a person or thing
2
: expressing a low opinion
derogatory remarks
derogatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on derogatory

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