# dismissive

/dɪsˈmɪsɪv/ (US) · /dɪsmˈɪsɪv/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dismissive
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

showing that you do not think something or someone is important or worth your time. You use this to describe a person's rude or cold attitude.

For teachers: indicating that something is unworthy of serious consideration. Often used to describe a facial expression, tone of voice, or general attitude that rejects another's ideas or presence.

## Examples

- He gave a dismissive wave of his hand.
- The manager was quite dismissive of my suggestions during the meeting, barely looking up from her laptop.
- Her dismissive attitude toward the new safety protocols suggests a lack of concern for the potential risks involved in the laboratory experiments.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he was dismissive about my idea" but "he was dismissive of my idea" — The adjective 'dismissive' typically collocates with the preposition 'of' rather than 'about'.

## Usage notes

- Commonly followed by the preposition 'of'. Often appears after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.