What does derogation mean?
Derogation is a formal noun referring primarily to the partial repeal, suspension, or modification of a law, rule, or treaty provision. It can also describe the lessening or impairment of a right, privilege, or authority, and, more rarely, a reduction in someone's reputation or standing. The word belongs chiefly to legal, political, and diplomatic language: international human-rights treaties commonly contain derogation clauses permitting states to suspend certain obligations during emergencies, while European Union law uses 'derogations' for member states granted exceptions from general rules. A familiar drafting formula, 'without derogation from,' signals that one clause does not diminish another. Derived from Latin roots meaning to detract from, derogation carries a neutral, technical tone rather than an emotional charge, though it implies that something once whole has been whittled down. Its adjective relative, 'derogatory,' describes insulting remarks, so the two should not be confused. For readers navigating contracts, legislation, or treaties, understanding derogation clarifies exactly what has been given up.
nounThe partial repeal or modification of a law, or the act of taking away or detracting from something, such as a right or authority. In formal usage, it also denotes a lowering in esteem or standing.
- The partial revocation, suspension, or modification of a law or legal provision.
- A lessening, diminution, or impairment of something such as a right, privilege, or authority.
- A lowering in reputation, esteem, or dignity (formal and now somewhat rare).
"Critics argued that the new regulation amounted to an unjustifiable derogation of workers' rights."
"Article 15 permits derogation from certain provisions only in times of public emergency."
"He accepted the post without any derogation to his existing duties as chairman."
Used when referring to multiple instances of repealed provisions or specific exceptions granted, especially in EU law where individual exemptions are called derogations.
"Several member states negotiated derogations from the new environmental directive."
When lawyers say 'without derogation,' they're promising that nothing else will be taken away — a phrase that quietly guards your rights in contracts worldwide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of derogation
Derogation comes from the Latin verb 'derogare', formed from 'de-' (from, away) and 'rogare' (to ask or propose), literally meaning to ask away — that is, to repeal part of a law. It entered English via Old French in the early 16th century, initially in legal contexts concerning the partial repeal of statutes. The same Latin root 'rogare' underlies cognates such as 'arrogate', 'interrogate', 'prerogative', and 'abrogate'.
Related word forms
How derogation is actually used
Primarily formal, legal, and diplomatic register; rare in everyday conversation. In British legal drafting, 'without derogation from...' is a standard formula indicating that one provision does not limit another. The sense relating to personal reputation has largely been displaced by 'derogatory' in modern usage.
Easily confused with derogation
'Derogation' is a noun meaning the partial repeal of a law or a lessening of rights, while 'derogatory' is an adjective describing remarks that belittle or insult someone.