adjective

condescending

KAWN-dih-sehnd-ihng

Condescending (adjective) means showing a superior, patronising attitude toward someone. Example: “His condescending remarks made the new employee feel stupid.”

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.

adjective

Showing a superior, patronising attitude toward someone.

"His condescending remarks made the new employee feel stupid."

"Please don't use that condescending tone with me."

How to use condescending

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTalking down to someone as if they are less capable or intelligent.

Easily confused with

patronizing →

Common pairings

condescending tone condescending remark

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like condescending.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

more condescending comparative, most condescending superlative

Test yourself on “condescending” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

His _____ remarks made the new employee feel stupid.

Rhymes for condescending

ending sending bending lending pending mending spending unending blending trending defending ascending

See all rhymes for condescending →

Frequently asked questions

What does “condescending” mean?

The word “condescending” means showing a superior, patronising attitude toward someone. In plain terms, talking down to someone as if they are less capable or intelligent.

How do you pronounce “condescending”?

“Condescending” is pronounced KAWN-dih-sehnd-ihng (/ˌkɑndəˈsɛndɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “condescending” in a sentence?

Here is “condescending” used in a sentence: “His condescending remarks made the new employee feel stupid.”

What part of speech is “condescending”?

“Condescending” is an adjective.