What does derisory mean?
'Derisory' is an adjective describing something so small, inadequate, or worthless that it deserves to be laughed at. It is used most frequently in British English, particularly in journalism and formal commentary about money — a 'derisory pay offer', a 'derisory settlement', or a 'derisory turnout'. The word carries a sharp edge of contempt: it does not merely mean 'small', but implies that the amount offered is almost insulting in its insufficiency. A second, less common sense describes something that expresses ridicule itself. Deriving from the Latin 'deridere', meaning 'to laugh at' or 'to mock', it belongs to the same family as 'deride', 'derision', and 'derisive', though it has drifted toward the language of economics and negotiation. Writers reach for it when they want to convey both judgement and scorn in a single word, making it a staple of headlines about wage disputes, compensation claims, and political compromises seen as token gestures.
So small or inadequate as to be ridiculous; laughably insufficient.
"The charity called the government's contribution derisory given the scale of the crisis."
Expressing ridicule or mockery.
"He answered with a derisory snort and turned back to his desk."
This older sense is now much less common than the 'laughably inadequate' sense.
A pay rise can be so insultingly tiny that English gives it its own word — 'derisory' literally means worthy of being laughed at.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of derisory
'Derisory' comes from the Late Latin 'derisoria' (as in 'derisorium'), derived from 'deridere', meaning 'to mock or laugh at', formed from 'de-' ('down') plus 'ridere' ('to laugh'). It entered English around the early 17th century, alongside related forms such as 'derision' and 'deride'. Cognates appear across Romance languages, including French 'dérisoire' and Italian 'derisorio'. Over time the word shifted from meaning simply 'mocking' toward its modern dominant sense of 'laughably inadequate'.
Related word forms
How derisory is actually used
'Derisory' is common in British journalism and formal writing, especially in discussions of pay negotiations and financial offers. It carries strong negative connotation, implying not just inadequacy but something that borders on insulting. The 'expressing ridicule' sense is older and now rarer than the 'laughably inadequate' sense.
Easily confused with derisory
'Derisive' means expressing ridicule or contempt, while 'derisory' more often describes something so inadequate it invites scorn.