belittle someone's achievements
/bɪˈlɪt.əl ˌsʌm.wʌnz əˈtʃiːv.mənts/
Meaning
To make someone's successes, hard work, or accomplishments seem small, unimportant, or insignificant. This is often done out of jealousy, insecurity, or a desire to maintain control. It carries a negative connotation, describing hurtful or dismissive behavior.
Examples
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It's really discouraging when your boss constantly belittles your achievements in front of the team.
It's really discouraging when your boss constantly belittles your achievements in front of the team.
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She has a habit of belittling her husband's achievements, making him feel like his career doesn't matter.
She has a habit of belittling her husband's achievements, making him feel like his career doesn't matter.
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Instead of celebrating my promotion, my brother tried to belittle my achievements by saying it was just luck.
Instead of celebrating my promotion, my brother tried to belittle my achievements by saying it was just luck.
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A good mentor will lift you up, not belittle your achievements to make themselves feel superior.
A good mentor will lift you up, not belittle your achievements to make themselves feel superior.
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I decided to distance myself from friends who always belittled my achievements.
I decided to distance myself from friends who always belittled my achievements.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He tried to belittle down my achievements.
✓ He tried to belittle my achievements.
The verb 'belittle' is transitive and does not take the preposition 'down' or 'about'.
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✗ She made a belittle of my achievements.
✓ She belittled my achievements.
'Belittle' is a verb, not a noun. You must use it as an action word.
Related Expressions
Practice
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It is toxic when partners ___ instead of celebrating them.
💡 Use a form of 'belittle' and 'achievements'.
Show answer
belittle each other's achievements
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Why do you always have to ___? I worked hard for this degree!
💡 Use 'belittle' with a possessive pronoun and 'achievements'.
Show answer
belittle my achievements