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
A. J. Anderson2
: voluntary descent from one's rank or dignity in relations with an inferior
Examples of condescension in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If hypocrisy and condescension had an official slogan, that would be it.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Oct. 2023
Unsettling things happen to and around Anna that her husband dismisses with Czuchry’s trademark mix of charm and condescension.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2023
There was so little condescension in Sakamoto’s work, toward other music or even his own previous careers.
—Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2023
Something tells me, though, that Elizabeth Zott would prefer honest scrutiny to polite condescension.
—TIME, 13 Oct. 2023
Her concern for her single, insomniac brother is sincere, and at moments doesn’t quite skirt condescension.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2023
Even so, who better than Tina Fey to play a self-important, slightly bullying know-it-all who conceals her questionable competence behind a thin layer of condescension?
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2023
Crypto conviction — or just curiosity — is not something that merits condescension from the olds and scolds of personal finance.
—Ron Lieber, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2023
There was sneering condescension, of course, but there were also some honest attempts to track the roots of the look.
—Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2023
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Marci Robin, Allure, 10 Oct. 2023
Unsettling things happen to and around Anna that her husband dismisses with Czuchry’s trademark mix of charm and condescension.
—Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 4 Oct. 2023
There was so little condescension in Sakamoto’s work, toward other music or even his own previous careers.
—Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2023
Something tells me, though, that Elizabeth Zott would prefer honest scrutiny to polite condescension.
—TIME, 13 Oct. 2023
Her concern for her single, insomniac brother is sincere, and at moments doesn’t quite skirt condescension.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2023
Even so, who better than Tina Fey to play a self-important, slightly bullying know-it-all who conceals her questionable competence behind a thin layer of condescension?
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 9 Sep. 2023
Crypto conviction — or just curiosity — is not something that merits condescension from the olds and scolds of personal finance.
—Ron Lieber, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2023
There was sneering condescension, of course, but there were also some honest attempts to track the roots of the look.
—Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'condescension.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin condescension-, condescensio, from condescendere — see condescend
First Known Use
1647, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near condescension
Cite this Entry
“Condescension.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condescension. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
condescension
noun
con·de·scen·sion
ˌkän-di-ˈsen-chən
: the attitude or behavior of a person who condescends
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