incivility
Americannoun
plural
incivilities-
the quality or condition of being uncivil; discourteous behavior or treatment.
- Synonyms:
- uncouthness, boorishness, rudeness
-
an uncivil act.
- Synonyms:
- discourtesy
noun
-
lack of civility or courtesy; rudeness
-
an impolite or uncivil act or remark
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of incivility
From the Late Latin word incīvīlitās, dating back to 1575–85. See in- 3, civility
Explanation
Incivility is rudeness or disrespect. A child will probably be scolded for his incivility if he sits with his elbows planted on the dinner table, talking loudly with his mouth full of food. If you insult your friends, push in front of people standing in line for a movie, or in other ways demonstrate bad manners, your incivility is obvious. Etiquette is all about eliminating incivility, teaching people the best way to behave. This noun dates from the 16th century, first meaning "want of civilized behavior," from a Latin root: incivilis, "not civil," with the root civilis, "befitting a citizen."
Vocabulary lists containing incivility
The Misfits
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Unfinished Angel
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Comedy of Errors
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
In her book "Nasty Talk: Online Incivility and Public Debate," she points out that "perfect" speech can be so sanitized that we wind up saying nothing.
From Salon • Aug. 18, 2022
Incivility and a lack of respect were more common than overt harassment, the chief justice wrote, adding that abusive conduct often goes unreported.
From New York Times • Dec. 31, 2018
Incivility had become a confirmed habit with him.
From The Moon out of Reach by Pedler, Margaret
It was no Incivility then to mention their naked Names as they were expressed.
From From Boyhood to Manhood Life of Benjamin Franklin by Thayer, William M. (William Makepeace)
He blamed himself for his Incivility; and, to make her some Amends, he went to the Queen's Apartment.
From The Amours of Zeokinizul, King of the Kofirans Translated from the Arabic of the famous Traveller Krinelbol by Crébillon, Claude Prosper Jolyot de
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.
