dismissive
Americanadjective
-
indicating dismissal or rejection; having the purpose or effect of dismissing, as from one's presence or from consideration.
a curt, dismissive gesture.
-
indicating lack of interest or approbation; scornful; disdainful.
Other Word Forms
- dismissively adverb
Etymology
Origin of dismissive
Explanation
To be dismissive is to be indifferent and a little rude. Being dismissive is a sign of disrespect. If you're dismissive, you show little consideration for others. If a teacher laughs at a student's earnest answer to a question, that's dismissive. An employer throwing a resume in the trash without reading it? Dismissive. People are dismissive to others they think are beneath them. You can also be dismissive to ideas and suggestions. It's like waving someone or something away and saying, "whatever."
Vocabulary lists containing dismissive
Refugee
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Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam
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Into the Wild
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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.
The former civil servant in charge of approving Lord Peter Mandelson's security clearance has defended his handling of the peer's vetting, and accused No 10 of a "dismissive attitude" towards the checks.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
While Jobs could often be dismissive of ideas, Cook established a reputation for a more cautious, accessible and deliberate approach.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
One of the leading dismissive comments is that this wasn’t even a moon landing, and only returning with dusty boots would be significant.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026
Reading her face and realizing that he might have sounded dismissive, he adds, “It’s a conversation. A really creative conversation.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
“Can you do twice a week? I’ll cover your train fare,” he said, stretching and dismissive; he wanted her to leave.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
