disrespectful
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Derived 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.
It was a petty beef arising from disrespectful comments made to someone’s girlfriend, but Tylon Hardy responded anyway.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
“That’s disrespectful to the players who are on the roster.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
Not to be disrespectful, but the four Artemis astronauts were aboard primarily to test equipment required only because four astronauts were aboard.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Lutnick told Congress the ban was "insulting and disrespectful to America."
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
She said it with an edge to her voice, letting me know I was being disrespectful by asking to leave when we hadn’t even eaten.
From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago
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.
