insulting

[in-suhl-ting]

adjective

1. giving or causing insult; characterized by affronting rudeness, insolence, etc.

   Synonyms: nasty, offensive, derogatory, abusive, discourteous, rude

Other Word Forms

• insultingly adverb
• uninsulting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insulting¹

First recorded in 1585–95; insult + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The third license plate said “QUEER,” which the department said “may be considered insulting, degrading, or expressing contempt for a specific group or person.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Gault said any suggestions from the authority and minister that schools were unwilling to accommodate SEN children was "profoundly insulting".

From BBC

Mr Hartson told the court it was time the police realised "it is not a criminal offence to be insulting".

From BBC

And he sent out insulting full-staff emails pressuring career employees to retire.

From Salon

It was put to him that what he wrote was insulting and violent, and he agreed, but said: "Women have a right to defend themselves from strange men in their spaces."

From BBC

Related Words

• biting 
• degrading 
• derogatory 
• disparaging 
• disrespectful 
• hurtful 
• offensive 
• repulsive 
• rude