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derogatory

adjective

de·rog·a·to·rydi-ˈrä-gə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce derogatory (audio)

Synonyms ofderogatory next

:expressive of a low opinion:disparaging

derogatory remarks

aderogatory term

:detracting from the character or standing of something

—often used withto, towards, orof

… contained reflections somewhatderogatory to the dignity of the officers …—

Herman Melville

derogatorily

di-ˌrä-gə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē How to pronounce derogatory (audio)

adverb

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What is aderogatory Credit Report?

Whenderogatory first began to be used in English it had the meaning “detracting from the character or standing of something.” It comes from the verbderogate, which can be traced to the Latin wordderogare (“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 ofderogatory

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Examples ofderogatory in a Sentence

The aroma of wine made from Concord … grapes is often described as "foxy," a wine term asderogatory 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 clearlyderogatory.—

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 aderogatory comment … would be punished by the university.—

Laurence R. Stains,Rolling Stone,5 Aug. 1993

fans made a steady stream ofderogatory remarks about the players on the visiting team

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage.Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.Send us feedback.

The term is not viewed asderogatory as other antisemitic slurs and was routinely used in past decades, a spokesperson for the Becerra campaign noted after the event.—

Seema Mehta,Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026Federal officials have declared ICE’s killings lawful and justified over social media without any pretense of a formal review, making statements that are cruel,derogatory, misleading, or simply false.—

The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026During the incident, the woman pushed him, shoved a shopping cart at him and madederogatory remarks, according to police.—

Ashley Vega,PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026Reale joked that he’s been called plenty ofderogatory names through the years by surfers in the water competing for waves.—

Laylan Connelly,Oc Register, 13 Jan. 2026See All Example Sentences forderogatory