# denigrate

/ˈdɛnəˌɡɹeɪt/ (US) · /dˈɛnɪɡɹˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/denigrate
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to say bad things about someone or something to make them seem bad or unimportant. You use it when the criticism is unfair.

For teachers: to attack the reputation or value of a person or thing through unfair criticism or false statements. Always takes a direct object.

## Examples

- Please do not denigrate your classmates behind their backs.
- The manager warned the team not to denigrate a rival product in front of clients.
- Despite his rivals' efforts to denigrate his research, the historian's archive-based study gradually reshaped the field's understanding of the period.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.