disregard

American  

[dis-ri-gahrd] / ˌdɪs rɪˈgɑrd /

verb (used with object)

1. to pay no attention to; leave out of consideration; ignore.

   Disregard the footnotes.

   Synonyms:

   ignore

   Antonyms:

   notice

2. to treat without due regard, respect, or attentiveness; slight.

   to disregard an invitation.

   Synonyms:

   insult

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noun

1. lack of regard or attention; neglect.

   Synonyms:

   oversight, inattention

2. lack of due or respectful regard.

   Synonyms:

   slight, disrespect

disregard British  

/ ˌdɪsrɪˈɡɑːd /

verb

1. to give little or no attention to; ignore

2. to treat as unworthy of consideration or respect

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noun

1. lack of attention or respect

2. (often plural) social welfare capital or income which is not counted in calculating the amount payable to a claimant for a means-tested benefit

Related Words

See slight.

Other Word Forms

• disregardable adjective
• disregarder noun
• disregardful adjective
• disregardfully adverb
• disregardfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of disregard

First recorded in 1635–45; dis- ¹ + regard

Explanation

If everyone at the city council meeting tends to disregard anything that's said by the eccentric gentleman with the parrot on his shoulder, it means that no one pays any attention to him. To disregard something is to ignore it, or to deliberately pay it no attention. Sometimes the word is used to mean "neglect," implying that something important is not being taken care of. Disregard can also be a noun; you could complain that your family has a complete disregard for your privacy when they gather outside your bedroom door to eavesdrop on your telephone conversations.

Example Sentences

"One constant has and will always remain - their contempt and complete disregard for people and communities here."

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

On Tuesday, the 5th Circuit reasoned that Stone cited Lemon, and Lemon had been “abandoned,” so it was free to disregard Stone altogether.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026

That notoriously difficult standard requires the plaintiff to show that the publisher knew its claims were false or acted with a reckless disregard for the truth.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

Many of the Vietnam missions were accomplished with astonishing innovation and bravery—perhaps best described as utter disregard for personal safety.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Unfortunately, the sort of individual who is programmed to ignore personal distress and keep pushing for the top is frequently programmed to disregard signs of grave and imminent danger as well.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

Related Words

• apathy
• contempt
• disdain
• disrespect
• inattention
• indifference
• neglect
• negligence
• scorn