disparaging material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disparaging material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to content that belittles or criticizes someone or something, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "The article was filled with disparaging material that undermined the reputation of the organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In its complaint, APTC asserted that the John Doe defendants, whose identities and residences were unknown, "made defamatory and disparaging material misrepresentations" about APTC in internet chat rooms.

Harvard University

As Moore noted in her ruling Friday, the Federal Circuit requested additional briefings after the decision came down, asking specifically whether there was any reason to treat immoral or scandalous material differently than disparaging material.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While Adams appears disparaging towards this material, Edwards [15] discusses this rubber coating being applied to cloth in the mid 19th century, and calls it "Morocco cloth" stating that it was "clearly considered a suitable material" as a substitute for Morocco leather.

Heritage Science

With this rich material, disparaging the Republicans makes for easy sport.

Huffington Post

In June, the court struck down part of the law barring registration of material that officials consider disparaging, siding with an Asian American musician who sought to trademark the name of his band, which came from a racial slur.

The Washington Post

This movement twisted historical events and wrote material brimming with native valour, disparaging to other countries.

The Guardian - Books

This included the requirement "not to reproduce material for the purposes of disparaging either House or bringing it into disrepute".

BBC

Earlier in 2011, one of the two ministries that Mr. Sibal oversees passed new rules governing Internet content that require Internet firms to take down within 36 hours any material posted on Web sites that officials or private citizens could deem to be disparaging, harassing, blasphemous and hateful, among other things.

The New York Times

The documents said that such materials must be "consistent with the Constitution" and agency values, including by not disparaging groups or individuals based on characteristics like race, religion or national origin.

The New York Times

No disparaging the competition.

The New York Times

"I think it is disparaging.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disparaging material", ensure that you can substantiate the claims made, especially in legal or professional contexts. Unsubstantiated disparagement can lead to legal repercussions.

Common error

Avoid presenting "disparaging material" as fact without providing supporting evidence. Always differentiate between opinion and verifiable information to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disparaging material" functions as a noun phrase, where "disparaging" modifies the noun "material". It describes the type or nature of the material, indicating that it serves to belittle or criticize. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disparaging material" refers to content that is critical or belittling, as affirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct, it should be used judiciously, ensuring claims are substantiated. The phrase functions as a noun phrase describing the nature of the material, and while it maintains a neutral register, the contexts in which it appears lean towards news, media and academic discussions. Consider alternatives like "derogatory content" or "offensive content" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

derogatory content

Focuses specifically on content that is disrespectful or belittling.

belittling remarks

Focuses on comments that diminish someone's importance or value.

defamatory statements

Highlights the potential harm to reputation caused by false statements.

demeaning information

Emphasizes the degrading or humiliating nature of the details.

pejorative language

Highlights the use of words with negative connotations.

insulting information

Emphasizes the disrespectful nature of the provided details.

offensive content

Emphasizes the potential to cause hurt feelings or outrage.

critical assessments

Focuses on evaluations that express disapproval or find fault.

negative portrayals

Highlights depictions that present someone or something unfavorably.

unflattering depictions

Similar to negative portrayals, but with a slightly milder tone.

FAQs

What does "disparaging material" mean?

"Disparaging material" refers to information or content that is intended to belittle, criticize, or show disrespect towards someone or something. It often carries a negative connotation and aims to diminish the reputation or value of the subject.

What are some alternatives to "disparaging material"?

You can use alternatives like "derogatory content", "defamatory statements", or "offensive content" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "disparaging material" in a sentence?

You can use "disparaging material" in a sentence like this: "The report contained "disparaging material" about the company's performance."

Is it appropriate to use "disparaging material" in formal writing?

While the phrase itself is grammatically correct, using "disparaging material" may not always be appropriate for formal writing. Consider the context and your audience. Alternatives like "critical assessments" or "negative portrayals" might be more suitable in some cases.