impertinence

noun

im·​per·​ti·​nence (ˌ)im-ˈpər-tə-nən(t)s 

-ˈpərt-nən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being impertinent: such as

a

: incivility, insolence

b

: irrelevance, inappropriateness

2

: an instance of impertinence

Synonyms of impertinence

• disrespect
• insolence
• impudence
• rudeness

Examples of impertinence in a Sentence

a disciplinarian of the old school, he refused to tolerate any impertinence from his children

the impertinence of deliberately ignoring waiting customers while they finished their conversation

Recent Examples on the Web

So the uneasy authorities decided that such impertinence must be silenced once and for all. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Apr. 2026

The erstwhile Romeo gets to show off attributes that would come to define his career: youthful impertinence, physical comedy, dancefloor skills. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026

Or exacerbated the impertinence. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

Of her schooling Minna said that she was mostly remembered for her impertinences in the presence of eminent scholars, and that at gatherings in general her comments seemed to attract a sideways cautious glance. —Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for impertinence

• appurtenance
• pertinence

Kids Definition

impertinence

noun

im·​per·​ti·​nence (ˈ)im-ˈpərt-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

-ˈpərt-nən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being impertinent

2

: a rude act or remark