detraction

noun

de·​trac·​tion di-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce detraction (audio)
dē-
1
: a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : belittling, disparagement
2
: a taking away
it is no detraction from its dignity or prestigeJ. F. Golay
detractive adjective
detractively adverb

Example Sentences

her inevitable detraction of every new idea is annoying to the other club members
Recent Examples on the Web But the memorial’s central focus is a large wall that will hold its final feature: a 58-foot bronze sculpture that is either a bold testament to the significance of the mission or a detraction from its natural setting, depending on the point of view. New York Times, 16 Apr. 2021 But the memorial's central focus is a large wall that will hold its final feature: a 58-foot bronze sculpture that is either a bold testament to the significance of the mission or a detraction from its natural setting, depending on the point of view. Jennifer Steinhauer, Star Tribune, 16 Apr. 2021 The main statistical detraction: another slow 3-point shooting start, but Doncic opened last season worse before closing at a torrid rate to post a career-best 35.5% mark by the end. Dallas News, 15 Nov. 2022 In these scenarios, Fishman suggests enhancement over detraction. Mark Hill, Discover Magazine, 2 Feb. 2022 Keep trying to make the place more of a landmark tourist detraction. Laura Johnston, cleveland, 7 Dec. 2022 Though a detraction to some, traveling on the job is a perk to others. Michelle Cheng, Quartz, 5 Dec. 2022 Any light breezes should not be a major detraction. Washington Post, 29 Apr. 2022 But the main thrust of the detraction against Inventing Anna is that the show is too nice to Anna. Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 22 Feb. 2022 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of detraction was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near detraction

Cite this Entry

“Detraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detraction. Accessed 6 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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