demeaning

[ dih-mee-ning ]

adjective

1. that demeans; demean; debasing; degrading:

   Being forced to apologize when I had done nothing wrong was a demeaning task.

Word History and Origins

Origin of demeaning¹

First recorded in 1875–80; demean ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

He disparaged a colleague’s Black son as a prop carried like a Louis Vuitton handbag, suggested Black people have too much political power and made other demeaning remarks about activists and constituents.

From Los Angeles Times

And while others deferred to the Florida governor, Trump hit him head-on, demeaning and diminishing him.

From BBC

The Harris campaign said the language at the rally was "divisive and demeaning".

From BBC

“Not somebody like Donald Trump who is constantly demeaning and belittling who the American people are. America deserves better.”

From Salon

The man famous for his demeaning, derogatory, and just plain nasty comments about women, this man is going to be our protector, ladies.

From Salon

Related Words

• defamatory
• degrading
• disparaging
• sarcastic
• slanderous
• unflattering