detraction

noun

de·​trac·​tion di-ˈtrak-shən 

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 prestige

—J. F. Golay

detractive

di-ˈtrak-tiv 

dē-

adjective

detractively adverb

Synonyms

• belittlement
• denigration
• deprecation
• depreciation
• derogation
• diminishment
• disparagement
• put-down

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

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Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1