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.
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
Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Diamondbacks All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte was seen in tears on the field after a spectator yelled a derogatory comment about his late mother during an at-bat in Arizona's game against the White Sox on Tuesday night in Chicago.
—CBS News, 25 June 2025
According to The Guardian, more disturbing videos emerged, from Ford allegedly staggering around a room and ranting about killing someone to him calling the city police chief a derogatory name and attempting a Jamaican accent.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 June 2025
Due to dwindling attendance and derogatory comments on social media, this year’s festivities were initially canceled, Williams said.
—Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for derogatory
Cite this Entry
“Derogatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derogatory. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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derogatory
adjective
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