noun
microaggression
MY-kroh-uh-GRESH-un
Microaggression (noun) means a small, often unintentional comment or action that conveys a demeaning assumption about someone's race, sex, religion or other group identity. Example: “Being asked where she was really from was a microaggression she heard weekly.”
noun
1
A small, often unintentional comment or action that conveys a demeaning assumption about someone's race, sex, religion or other group identity.
"Being asked where she was really from was a microaggression she heard weekly."
"The training session covered microaggressions in the workplace."
How to use microaggression
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small remark that quietly puts someone down because of who they are, often without meaning to.
When to use it
Common in academic, HR and journalistic writing; contested in political debate.
Easily confused with
microassault
macroaggression
unconscious bias
Common pairings
racial microaggression
everyday microaggressions
commit a microaggression
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like microaggression.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Being asked where she was really from was a _____ she heard weekly.
Etymology
Formed from micro- 'small' and aggression.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for microaggression
region
cation
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
See all rhymes for 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.
What is the meaning of microaggression?
"microaggression" (noun) means a small, often unintentional comment or action that conveys a demeaning assumption about someone's race, sex, religion or other group identity.
