DictionaryAI

derogatory

USdi-ROG-uh-tor-ee/dɪˈɹɑɡəˌtɔɹi/UKdi-ROG-uh-tree/dɪˈɹɒɡətɹi/

4 meanings of derogatory

Practice

  1. 1
    insultingadjective
    Expressing a low opinion of someone or something in a way meant to belittle or insult.

    The coach apologized for derogatory remarks he made about the other team's fans.

    Several employees complained about derogatory jokes told at the staff meeting.

    UsageDescribes words more than people: a derogatory remark, a derogatory term for a group.

    Similardisparaging, insulting, demeaning, offensive, pejorative

    Oppositecomplimentary, flattering, respectful

  2. 2
    reducing poweradjective
    Lessening the power, authority, or value of something, such as a governing body; detracting from it.

    Critics argued that the treaty was derogatory to the sovereignty of Parliament.

    No amendment derogatory to the rights of the member states may pass without a unanimous vote.

    UsageTakes to + the power or right reduced: derogatory to the rights of members.

    Similardetrimental, prejudicial

    Note

    Older legal writing also used from, as when Blackstone writes that Acts of Parliament derogatory from the power of subsequent Parliaments bind not.

    Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

    • Blackstone used derogatory from in the quoted statement about the power of subsequent Parliaments. gutenberg.org

Less common meanings

  1. 3
    noun
    A tradeline, or account entry, on a credit report that shows negative credit history.
  2. 4
    adjective
    Of a clause in a will: declaring void any later will that does not repeat certain secret words or a sign.

Practice

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Origin

The word matches derogate plus -ory. English took it from Late Latin dērogātōrius, which was formed from Latin dērogō.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 3 facts