Meaning & use

derogatory

adjective·Advanced

Expressing a low opinion of someone or something in a scornful or insulting way.

See it in a sentence

The coach was fined for making derogatory remarks about the referee.

She refused to use derogatory language about any of her competitors.

A note on using this word

Usually describes words or comments rather than actions; often paired with "remark," "term," or "comment."

Words with a similar meaning

insultingdisparaging

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

complimentaryrespectful

Make it your own

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