derogatory

[dih-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / dɪˈrɒg əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

ADJECTIVE

offensive, uncomplimentary

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defamatory degrading demeaning disparaging sarcastic slanderous unflattering

WEAK

aspersing belittling calumnious censorious contumelious critical damaging decrying deprecatory depreciative despiteful detracting disdainful dishonoring fault-finding humiliating injurious malevolent malicious maligning minimizing opprobrious reproachful scornful slighting spiteful unfavorable vilifying

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complimentary

WEAK

appreciative favorable flattering praising

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said both appear unlikely, but “the greater risk is some derogatory change, rather than some salutary change.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Pinning up derogatory comments on the dressing room wall as motivation might not inspire rugby sides in the way it used to.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

She added, “To its credit, the Government does not defend President Trump’s derogatory statements. No one rationally could.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2026

I grew up calling it elaichi with such disdain that those unfamiliar with its English translation would’ve thought it was something utterly derogatory.

From Salon • Jan. 25, 2026

He had drawn a derogatory statement from George.

From "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck

Vocabulary lists containing derogatory

Of Mice and Men

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"Of Mice and Men"

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Grade 9, List 5

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