derisory

Imagine asking for real help and getting only a tiny crumb—that offer might be described as derisory. It usually means an amount or offer is so small that it feels like an insult: a derisory wage, fee, or pay rise. It can also describe a tone that makes fun of someone or treats them with contempt. You might make a derisory comment to put someone down, but be warned—it rarely goes over well.

The word derisory most often describes something that seems laughably small or low—especially a sum of money, a price, or an offer—and because of that it can feel insulting. It doesn't have to mean the other person is openly trying to offend you; it's enough that the amount is so tiny that it comes across as not serious. Think of an employer offering a derisory pay rise after years of hard work: the message you hear is, "You're not worth much."

You can use derisory for amounts or offers that are so small they're almost offensive: "The company offered him a derisory salary increase after years of dedicated service." You'll also see it with legal and business language, like a derisory fine, fee, settlement, or compensation.

Less commonly, derisory can describe a mocking attitude or action. A derisory remark or laugh is meant to make fun of a person or idea, in a cold or dismissive way.

The word comes from the Latin deridere, meaning "to laugh at," so it's rooted in the act of making fun of something. However, derisory isn't just about laughter; it implies a lack of respect and a desire to diminish. It suggests that whatever is being described isn't even worthy of serious consideration.

So, if something feels like a dismissive joke, an insult disguised as an offer, or a way to make someone feel small—chances are, it's derisory.