She did not mean to disparage his efforts.

To speak about someone or something in a way that shows strong disapproval and lack of respect.
It's not right to disparage others for their choices.
He tends to disparage anyone who disagrees with him.
Don't disparage her ideas; they might be valuable.
disparage someone's efforts
disparage a reputation
disparage a viewpoint
belittle
deprecate
denigrate
It’s not nice to disparage others.

To speak about someone or something in a way that shows you think they are not good or important.
Don't disparage her efforts; she worked hard.
It's unfair to disparage his ideas without considering them.
They often disparage the team's performance after a loss.
disparage someone
disparage something
disparage a reputation
belittle
deprecate
denigrate