uncomplimentary

Word family

• compliment
  nounB1
• compliment
  verbB1
• complimentary
  adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four describe negative or critical expression, but they differ in focus and force. 'Uncomplimentary' is the mildest and most general: it simply means the opposite of praising, and often describes spoken or written opinions, such as an uncomplimentary review. 'Unflattering' leans toward appearance or impression — an unflattering photo makes someone look worse than they really do. 'Disparaging' is more formal and adds intent: the speaker means to make someone or something seem less valuable, as in disparaging comments about a rival. 'Derogatory' is the strongest, carrying clear insult or scorn, and is the word courts and editors use for genuinely offensive language. So a tactless friend might be uncomplimentary, while a deliberate insult is derogatory.

Common collocations

Etymology

Formed in English by adding the negative prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not') to 'complimentary'. 'Complimentary' comes from 'compliment', which entered English in the 17th century from French 'compliment', ultimately from Latin 'complementum' (something that completes). So an uncomplimentary remark is, literally, one that fails to praise or please.