insulting

[ in-suhl-ting ]

/ ɪnˈsʌl tɪŋ /

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See synonyms for insulting on Thesaurus.com

adjective

giving or causing insult; characterized by affronting rudeness, insolence, etc.

OTHER WORDS FOR insulting

rude, discourteous, abusive, derogatory, offensive, nasty.

See synonyms for insulting on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of insulting

First recorded in 1585–95; insult + -ing²

OTHER WORDS FROM insulting

in·sult·ing·ly, adverbun·in·sult·ing, adjective

Words nearby insulting

insulin reaction, insulin shock, Insull, insult, insultation, insulting, insuperable, insupportable, insuppressible, insurable, insurable interest

How to use insulting in a sentence

As fashion icon Tim Gunn told The Washington Post, that can make shopping a “horribly insulting and demoralizing experience.”
Thrift shopping is an environmental and ethical trap|Sara Kiley Watson|February 26, 2021|Popular-Science
The fastest solutions would add considerable work to my plate and could also come off as insulting and hand-holding.
My boss’s writing is full of errors, and I want to help her improve|Karla Miller|February 18, 2021|Washington Post
The Pilgrims thanked their God for the downfall of a “proud and insulting” enemy.
How America Keeps Adapting the Story of the Pilgrims at Plymouth to Match the Story We Need to Tell|Peter C. Mancall|December 17, 2020|Time
Some described awkward and insulting encounters while others said police threatened them with deportation.
Morning Report: Oceanside Reboots Top Cop Search|Voice of San Diego|September 14, 2020|Voice of San Diego

There’s nothing more insulting to a blogger than having someone try to beat down their posting price.
Nine mistakes to avoid when contacting websites for backlinks|Raj Dosanjh|July 29, 2020|Search Engine Watch
She was even sweet to that smug ingrate Miss Bunting after she kept insulting everyone at dinner.
‘Downton Abbey’ Review: A Fire, Some Sex, and Sad, Sad Edith|Kevin Fallon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But Goff called it “insulting” to suggest that he might be running a super PAC for personal gain.
‘Ready for Romney’ Is Amateur Hour|Tim Mak|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Christians and Hindus are accused of insulting Islam in Pakistan, the punishment is harsh.
Disco Mullah Blasphemy Row Highlights Pakistan’s Hypocrisy|Shaheen Pasha|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is not merely morally absurd to suggest that facts do not matter; as a person of color, it is insulting and degrading.
Dear White People: Well-Meaning Paternalism Is Still Racist|Chloé Valdary|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Barbie is an unrealistic, unhealthy, insulting representation of female appearance.
Sexism Begins in the Toy Aisle|Nancy Kaffer|November 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Marquise looked at her, her face manifesting no offence at the almost insulting words.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
Your callers are, in a measure, invited guests, and it will be an insulting mark of rudeness to be out when they call.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
Whoever denied the latter was accused of insulting and slandering the nation.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay
The rebel soldiers became more and more insulting and overbearing.
Portrait and Biography of Parson Brownlow, The Tennessee Patriot|William Gannaway Brownlow
I know—I cannot expect that you would; and that, under such circumstances, it would be insulting in me to offer it.
Newton Forster|Captain Frederick Marryat