English Reference
verb · noun

disregard

v. · n.
US /ˌdɪsɹɪˈɡɑɹd/ UK /dˌɪsɹɪɡˈɑːd/ dis·re·gard UK spelling disregarding, disregards

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to ignore something or decide that it is not important enough to follow.

    v.to intentionally ignore or pay no attention to something, such as a rule, advice, or a warning.

    Simple

    The driver chose to disregard the speed limit and was stopped by the police.

    In context

    The board of directors decided to disregard the consultant's warnings about the market shift, a move that eventually led to significant financial losses.

    Usage

    This is a transitive verb and always requires a direct object.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the state of not caring about something or showing no respect for it.

    n.the act of ignoring or treating something with a lack of due attention or respect.

    Simple

    His total disregard for the rules made it difficult for him to keep a job.

    In context

    The company's blatant disregard for safety regulations resulted in a series of avoidable accidents at the manufacturing plant.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'for'.

Paired with the lack of interest in the dramatic mechanics of the plot, this disregard for visual storytelling raises the question: why make a movie at all?

The Guardian· 26 Aug 2026

From dis- + regard. Compare misregard.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated