Detractory

/dɪˈtræktəri/ adjective

Definition

Tending to reduce the value, quality, or reputation of something; detracting.

Etymology

From detract + -ory (adjective suffix meaning 'tending to'). An archaic or literary variant of 'detractive' that has mostly fallen out of use in modern English.

Kelly Says

This is a ghost word in English—still technically correct but rarely used because 'detractive' and 'detrimental' do the job better. Older texts and formal writing are more likely to contain it.

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