insolence

American  

[in-suh-luhns] / ˈɪn sə ləns /

noun

1. contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech.

2. the quality or condition of being insolent.

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Other Word Forms

• overinsolence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of insolence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word insolentia. See insolent, -ence

Explanation

Insolence is a rude, disrespectful act. The teenager's insolence got her in trouble with her teachers. Insolence is an act of or the trait of being a jerk, especially to someone you should respect. Insolence is what rude and stuck-up people show off every chance they get. They ignore their parents, walk out on dinner bills, elbow old people out of the way, and tell professors their clothes look cheap. Insolence is a trait to get rid of, not flaunt. Teenagers often embrace insolence when they get to the age when they think their parents are stupid. (It usually wears off.)

Example Sentences

Moscow accused Pashinyan of behaviour bordering on insolence, and on Friday summoned Armenia's ambassador to protest against "hostile steps".

From Reuters • Sep. 12, 2023

Miss Manners thoroughly disapproves of this guest, whose transgression may have been made out of ignorance but who followed it with insolence.

From Washington Post • Dec. 21, 2021

Inevitably, you find yourself shoveling in oiled-and-vinegared lettuce with the same insolence you felt as a child shoveling down steamed broccoli so you could move on to dessert.

From Salon • Oct. 20, 2021

Simón takes this as insolence, and proof that David can’t count.

From New York Times • May 26, 2020

The bravo curled a lip, whilst the fellow with the quill j chuckled at his insolence.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin