disparaging

[ dih-spar-i-jing ]

adjective

1. that disparages; tending to belittle or bring reproach upon:

   a disparaging remark.

Sensitive Note

In this dictionary, the label Disparaging indicates that a term or definition is used with a deliberate intent to disparage, as to belittle a particular ethnic, religious, or social group. It is often paired with the label Offensive, which describes a term that gives offense whether or not any offense was intended.

Other Words From

• dis·par·ag·ing·ly adverb
• non·dis·par·ag·ing adjective
• self-dis·par·ag·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disparaging¹

First recorded in 1635–45; disparag(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The disparaging comment helped trigger Dickerson’s trade to the Indianapolis Colts.

From Los Angeles Times

I was raised by a sweet henpecked father, who would have said something disparaging about himself to get me to help him with his computer or read tiny print.

From Los Angeles Times

And he pointed out that several of the Republican candidate's key allies have also made disparaging comments about Trump in the past.

From BBC

During a podcast appearance in March, Chisholm made disparaging comments about a former Miami teammate he referred to as “the team captain,” which was Rojas’ unofficial role with the Marlins at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

The 2022 audio leak upended City Hall, with community leaders voicing outrage over the racist and disparaging remarks on the hourlong recording.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• defamatory
• derogatory
• snide
• unfavorable