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

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

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2025

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

Here she’s all foulmouthed verve, her adolescent insolence turbocharged by the liberation of living after the end of the world.

From New York Times • Jan. 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

The brassy insolence in his voice that had so frightened her.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy