English Reference
adjective

disrespectful

adj.
US /ˌdɪsɹɪˈspɛktfəɫ/ UK /dˌɪsɹɪspˈɛktfəl/ dis·re·spect·ful

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing a lack of respect or being rude to someone, especially someone older or in a higher position.

    exhibiting a lack of respect, courtesy, or deference toward a person, institution, or social norm.

    Simple

    The student was sent to the office for being disrespectful to the substitute teacher.

    In context

    The manager found the employee's constant interruptions during the presentation to be deeply disrespectful to the rest of the team.

    Pitfall
    He was disrespectful for his teacher. He was disrespectful to his teacher.

    Use the preposition 'to' when directing disrespect toward a person or entity.

    rudeimpoliteinsolentdiscourteous
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    not paying attention to rules, feelings, or the importance of something.

    showing a lack of regard or heed for specific consequences, feelings, or established protocols.

    Simple

    He continued to make loud noise, disrespectful of the fact that his neighbors were sleeping.

    In context

    The developer proceeded with the demolition, seemingly disrespectful of the historical significance the building held for the local community.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'of' in this sense.

    heedlessregardlessunmindful

However, madrileños who go on holiday to other parts of Spain have built a bit of a reputation for being disrespectful and annoying.

The Local· 27 Aug 2024

From dis- + respectful.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated