disrespectful
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of disrespectful
First recorded in 1670–80; dis- 1 + respectful
Explanation
Disrespectful words and actions are rude and show a lack of respect. If you want to "dis" someone, be disrespectful towards them. You probably know that respectful things show consideration, kindness, and appreciation. Disrespectful things do the opposite. Swearing at your grandmother is disrespectful. Burping loudly in church is disrespectful. For a business to ignore a religious holiday could be considered disrespectful. This is a word with a lot of grey area: what is disrespectful to one person may be just fine to another. Disrespectful behavior can range from blatant rudeness to just not acting impressed or awed by something others hold sacred.
Vocabulary lists containing disrespectful
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was a petty beef arising from disrespectful comments made to someone’s girlfriend, but Tylon Hardy responded anyway.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick called it "outrageous", "insulting" and "disrespectful".
From BBC • May 28, 2026
“It’s getting disrespectful, guys,” Smith-Njigba says before pointing to the word that indicates the wrong side of the football on which he plays.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Lutnick told Congress the ban was "insulting and disrespectful to America."
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
I ain’t trying to be disrespectful of Ma’s cooking when I say that neither.
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
