# insolence

/ˈɪnsəɫəns/ (US) · /ˈɪnsələns/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insolence
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

rude and disrespectful behaviour toward someone you should respect, like a teacher or a boss.

For teachers: disrespectful behaviour that openly shows contempt for authority or accepted social rules. Often implies deliberate defiance rather than accidental rudeness.

## Examples

- The teacher punishes the boy for his insolence.
- The manager warns the new assistant that answering customers with insolence will cost him his job.
- The committee tolerated his questions but drew the line at his insolence toward the chairwoman, whose authority he openly mocked.

## Synonyms

rudeness, disrespect

## Antonyms

respect, politeness, courtesy

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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.