disrespectful
Americanadjective
Other Word 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.
The remarks follow Olson’s public apology to Rodriguez for a comment he had made on social media that was perceived as disrespectful to the late-night TV star.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
In particular Mr. de Moura, who was focused on improving Lean’s core capabilities, spent long hours each day correcting Mathlib entries made by other contributors, who seemed to him demanding and disrespectful.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
American world number three Jessica Pegula, however, said some of the behaviour had been "disrespectful".
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
"People are down there trying to perform, and it's their career and their job. It seems a bit disrespectful," Pegula concluded.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
We don’t have many disrespectful kids in our villages.
From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola
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.
