microaggression
3 synonyms for microaggression, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, often unintentional comment or action that conveys a demeaning assumption about someone's race, sex, religion or other group identity.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
subtle bias
everyday prejudice
How to use microaggression
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
racial microaggression
everyday microaggressions
commit a microaggression
Common in academic, HR and journalistic writing; contested in political debate.
Etymology
Formed from micro- 'small' and aggression.
Full origin of microaggression →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a microaggression and an insult?
An insult is meant to wound and the speaker knows it. A microaggression is usually unintentional, sounds harmless or even complimentary on the surface, and does its damage through the assumption behind it.
What are examples of microaggressions?
Common examples include telling someone they are 'articulate' for their background, asking to touch a colleague's hair, assuming a woman in a hospital is a nurse rather than a doctor, or asking a person of colour where they are really from.
Why is the word controversial?
Supporters say it names a real and cumulative harm that has no other word. Critics argue the term is vague, treats trivial remarks as aggression, and can label speakers as hostile when no hostility exists.
