condescension

noun

con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen(t)-shən 

1

: patronizing attitude or behavior

scoffing condescension by the "we know better than you" people

—A. J. Anderson

2

: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior

Examples of condescension in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And Lena appreciates that Danny is the only white male colleague who treats her with respect rather than mansplainy condescension. —Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025

But there’s something more to the Kalimotxo, something that seems to be immune to sophomoric tedium or mixological condescension, something that keeps people going back decade after decade. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025

But Russell’s performance was a beam of pure light, burning off any condescension. —Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025

Jenny struggles with underemployment, loneliness, condescension from the men in her life, the disapproval of her cougar mother and, worst of all for her, her failure to conceive a child. —Barbara Ellis, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin condescension-, condescensio, from condescendere — see condescend

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for condescension

• apprehension
• comprehension
• hypertension
• hypotension
• reinvention
• reprehension
• resuspension
• attention
• contention
• convention
• declension
• detention

Kids Definition

condescension

noun

con·​de·​scen·​sion ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən 

: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends