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
Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2025
The question surprised the three of us because no one was saying anything personal or derogatory about Smith.
—Christine Brennan, CNN Money, 6 July 2025
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sent legal letters to the Daily Mail over allegations of a fist fight with Prince Andrew and derogatory comments about Meghan, Newsweek can reveal.
—Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
After America voted to pair Brown with the new bombshell, Iris Kendall, Mustafa erupted into a tantrum that involved crying, screaming across the villa and calling Brown derogatory names.
—Giana Levy, Variety, 17 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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derogatory
adjective
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