noun
Uncommon
disrespect
dihs-rih-SPEHKT
Disrespect (noun) means a lack of respect or courtesy shown toward someone or something. Example: “His tone was full of disrespect for his elders.”
noun
1
A lack of respect or courtesy shown toward someone or something.
"His tone was full of disrespect for his elders."
"This was a champion team out of kilter, stung by what was arguably an act of disrespect to their opponents, a failure to appreciate their threat and the fine planning of Carlos Osorio, and never really able to regain its balance."
— Barney Ronay, Mexico’s Hirving Lozano stuns world champions Germany for brilliant win (2018)
verb
1
To treat someone without the respect they deserve.
"She felt disrespected when her ideas were ignored in the meeting."
How to use disrespect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreating someone rudely or without proper respect.
When to use it
Using "disrespect" as a verb (e.g., "don't disrespect me") is common in informal and spoken English but still considered casual in formal writing.
Common pairings
show disrespect
no disrespect intended
disrespect someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- disrespects
- Third person singular
- disrespects
- Past tense
- disrespected
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His tone was full of _____ for his elders.
Etymology
From dis- + respect.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for disrespect
See all rhymes for disrespect →Frequently asked questions
What does “disrespect” mean?
The word “disrespect” means a lack of respect or courtesy shown toward someone or something. In plain terms, treating someone rudely or without proper respect.
How do you pronounce “disrespect”?
“Disrespect” is pronounced dihs-rih-SPEHKT (/dɪsɹɪˈspɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “disrespect” in a sentence?
Here is “disrespect” used in a sentence: “His tone was full of disrespect for his elders.”
What part of speech is “disrespect”?
Depending on how it is used, “disrespect” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “disrespect” a common word?
“Disrespect” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “disrespect” have?
“Disrespect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a lack of respect or courtesy shown toward someone or something.
What is the difference between disrespect and rudeness?
Disrespect refers to a general lack of respect or courtesy toward someone or something, which can be shown through words, actions, or attitude. Rudeness is a specific, often blunt or impolite behavior that is one way disrespect can be expressed, but disrespect can also be shown through more subtle means like disregard or dismissiveness.
Is disrespect used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, disrespect functions as a noun meaning a lack of respect, as in "treated her with disrespect," and as a verb meaning to treat someone without due respect, as in "don't disrespect your elders." Both uses are common in everyday English.
Is disrespect an informal word?
The verb use of disrespect, especially in casual speech such as "don't disrespect me," has an informal, conversational feel, though it is widely accepted in standard English. The noun form is used comfortably in both formal and informal writing.
