disrespectful
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- disrespectfully adverb
- disrespectfulness noun
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.
To many of the families of the dead, returning to Mystic is crass bordering on disrespectful.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
But some players feel interactions have become increasingly rude and disrespectful in recent seasons.
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
"Most fans are really respectful and thankful of you doing it. They are never disrespectful until they don't get what they want."
From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026
He did not consider it disrespectful in any way.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
I felt awful uncomfortable to see her at the wagon, but it would of been disrespectful to let on about that.
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
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.
