insolence

[in-suh-luhns]

noun

1. contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech.

2. the quality or condition of being insolent.

Other Word Forms

• overinsolence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of insolence¹

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

Example Sentences

"Look around you at these monstrosities of insanity, insolence, incompetence and degeneration," he declared in his opening address.

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

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That was also evident in “the insolence and indifference that you are displaying here,” the judge added, according to another local news source.

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In a league that has absorbed the competitive nastiness of Bill Laimbeer and Ron Artest and John Stockton and Charles Oakley, Green may be the first player sent home for repeated insolence.

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Still, the infusion of black leather did what it always does: It reminded us what this particular material can always be counted on to suggest — insolence, light contempt, more than a little bit of attitude.

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