disrespectful
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of disrespectful
First recorded in 1670–80; dis- 1 + respectful
Explanation
Disrespectful words and actions are rude and show a lack of respect. If you want to "dis" someone, be disrespectful towards them. You probably know that respectful things show consideration, kindness, and appreciation. Disrespectful things do the opposite. Swearing at your grandmother is disrespectful. Burping loudly in church is disrespectful. For a business to ignore a religious holiday could be considered disrespectful. This is a word with a lot of grey area: what is disrespectful to one person may be just fine to another. Disrespectful behavior can range from blatant rudeness to just not acting impressed or awed by something others hold sacred.
Vocabulary lists containing disrespectful
"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
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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.
Child sexual abuse campaigners have criticised disgraced ex-BBC News presenter Huw Edwards for his "inappropriate and disrespectful" choice to launch a blog, with one calling it a "staggering lack of awareness".
From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026
On the same programme, her fellow new Scottish MP, the Conservative Douglas Lumsden, who won a by-election in Aberdeen South, called the move "disrespectful".
From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026
Linda McCartney didn’t deserve any of the hate she received, but it’s a little disrespectful to try to compare her to working musicians who spent their lives working on their craft.
From Salon ● Jun. 23, 2026
Sybiga said on Friday he planned to return an award he received from Poland in 2022 after the "unjustified, impulsive and disrespectful" decision.
From Barron's ● Jun. 20, 2026
He told Papá, who scolded me for being disrespectful.
From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez
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.
