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.
Lutnick told Congress the ban was "insulting and disrespectful to America."
From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he considered visits by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow but not Kyiv "disrespectful".
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
To many of the families of the dead, returning to Mystic is crass bordering on disrespectful.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
“I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice. Whoever came up with that is disrespectful toward what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
She was so sharp and disrespectful when she yipped at him in tailless talk.
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
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.
