impertinence
Americannoun
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unmannerly intrusion or presumption; insolence.
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impertinent quality or action.
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something impertinent, as an act or statement.
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an impertinent person.
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irrelevance, inappropriateness, or absurdity.
noun
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disrespectful behaviour or language; rudeness; insolence
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an impertinent act, gesture, etc
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rare lack of pertinence; irrelevance; inappropriateness
Etymology
Origin of impertinence
First recorded in 1595–1605; impertin(ency) + -ence
Explanation
You have to be sure your teacher has a good sense of humor before you criticize the way he dresses, otherwise you might be scolded for your impertinence. Impertinence means "being rude, insolent, or inappropriately playful." Impertinence seems like a word that was invented for adults to use when they're complaining about rude or disrespectful kids. Sometimes you might think you're being funny or playful, but what you're saying can come across as impertinence to someone who expects to be treated with respect. The Latin root is impertinentem, or "not belonging." When someone shows impertinence, they act in a way that doesn't belong, or fit the situation.
Vocabulary lists containing impertinence
To Kill a Mockingbird
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Grade 11, List 4
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"The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
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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.
Divided by competing urges to “join in and stand out,” the dandy exaggerates style to the point of satire and social impertinence.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026
Other meta impertinence plays directly to screen junkies.
From Salon • Jun. 17, 2023
Toney's first goal in his side's win over Brighton was nothing short of impertinence.
From BBC • Oct. 16, 2022
For her part, Ms. Pinkston likened the treatment Mr. Wright suffered on the job to the impertinence all restaurant servers endure, regardless of race.
From New York Times • Aug. 16, 2021
Zafoona’s lips tightened at her impertinence, but she stayed silent.
From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai
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.
