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adjective

disobedient

dihs-uh-BEE-deernt

Disobedient (adjective) means refusing or failing to obey rules or instructions. Example: “The puppy was cute but wildly disobedient during training.”

adjective
1
Refusing or failing to obey rules or instructions.
"The puppy was cute but wildly disobedient during training."

How to use disobedient

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot following orders or rules — the opposite of obedient.

Common pairings
disobedient child disobedient dog

Word forms

more disobedient comparative, disobedients plural, most disobedient superlative

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The puppy was cute but wildly _____ during training.

Etymology

From Old French desobedient, built from dis- + obedient.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for disobedient

See all rhymes for disobedient →

Frequently asked questions

What does “disobedient” mean?

The word “disobedient” means refusing or failing to obey rules or instructions. In plain terms, not following orders or rules — the opposite of obedient.

How do you pronounce “disobedient”?

“Disobedient” is pronounced dihs-uh-BEE-deernt (/dɪs.əˈbiː.dɪənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “disobedient” in a sentence?

Here is “disobedient” used in a sentence: “The puppy was cute but wildly disobedient during training.”

What part of speech is “disobedient”?

“Disobedient” is an adjective.

Where does the word “disobedient” come from?

The word “disobedient” comes from Old French. From Old French desobedient, built from dis- + obedient.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial