derogatory

adjective

de·​rog·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē 

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

di-ˌrä-gə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

adverb

Did you know?

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.

Synonyms

• insulting
• slighting
• pejorative
• demeaning
• malicious
• disparaging
• uncomplimentary
• degrading
• deprecatory
• abusive
• derogative
• contemptuous
• depreciatory
• scornful

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

However, the cases all took a turn less than a decade after Lambert's murder when Niroula appealed his conviction and sentencing by releasing recordings made between Garcia and their trial judge that showed the latter making derogatory comments, according to The Bay Area Reporter. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

It has also been used as a derogatory term, mocking immigrant culture in Lima during the mass migrations of Indigenous Andean people to Lima in the 20th century. —NPR, 10 Oct. 2025

Buffaloes fans chanted derogatory slurs at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. —Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

The videos also include made up audio of Schumer making derogatory comments about immigrants, as mariachi music played in the background. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see derogate

First Known Use

circa 1503, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for derogatory

• accusatory
• admonitory
• ambulatory
• amendatory
• celebratory
• circulatory
• combinatory
• commendatory
• compensatory
• condemnatory
• confirmatory
• confiscatory

Kids Definition

derogatory

adjective

de·​rog·​a·​to·​ry di-ˈräg-ə-ˌtōr-ē 

-ˌtȯr-

1

: intended to lower the reputation of a person or thing

2

: expressing a low opinion

derogatory remarks

derogatorily

-ˌräg-ə-ˈtōr-ə-lē 

-ˈtȯr-

adverb