# disobedient

/ˌdɪsəˈbidiənt/ (US) · /dˌɪsəʊbˈiːdiənt/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disobedient
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

not doing what someone in charge tells you to do, like a parent, teacher, or boss.

For teachers: refusing to obey rules, orders, or authority; deliberately not doing what is required or expected.

## Examples

- The disobedient child refuses to clean his room.
- The disobedient puppy keeps running into the street despite repeated training sessions.
- Although often labelled disobedient, teenagers who question unfair rules may simply be developing independent moral judgment.

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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.