condescension

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

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of condescension

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

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Recent Examples of condescension from the Web

The storm of criticism that followed arrived with a mix of fierce anger and lofty condescension.

— gregory krieg, CNN, "When MLK turned on Vietnam, even liberal 'allies' turned on him," 4 Apr. 2018
But there always was—especially on 30 Rock—an undertone of condescension in the way Morgan was positioned on those shows, a sense that he was merely being asked to do his Tracy Morgan thing without much thought or interrogation behind it.

— richard lawson, HWD, "The Last O.G. Is a Funny, Surprisingly Sweet Showcase for Tracy Morgan," 2 Apr. 2018
Implied in her condescension is a belief that anyone who takes issue with Roiphe’s own particular beliefs belongs to a hysterical mob that performs their political virtue online.

— amanda arnold, The Cut, "Turns Out the Katie Roiphe Article Is Boring," 4 Feb. 2018
His principal vice is condescension, the unwillingness or inability to resist demonstrating his superiority to both his subjects and his readers.

— a.o. scott, New York Times, "In His New Collection, ‘The Rub of Time,’ Martin Amis Takes On Everyone From Travolta to Trump," 28 Feb. 2018
Some critics mocked the 46-year-old Canadian for cultural condescension, while others accused him of sartorial excess and political correctness gone too far.

— dan bilefsky, New York Times, "Can a Canadian Carry Off Bollywood Style? Justin Trudeau Finds Out.," 23 Feb. 2018
The play ultimately tells a moving story from flyover country, and playwright Hunter has won praise from critics for steering clear of condescension and cheap satire in creating it.

— greg crawford, Detroit Free Press, "Plan your weekend: Eisenhower Dance, a romantic cabaret show and laughs from Bob Saget," 7 Feb. 2018
Educator Terezita Romo offers a scholarly take on the condescension too often shown artists of color by museums and academics.

— charisse jones, USA TODAY, "Women of color 'Sing' proudly in new essay collection," 5 Feb. 2018
Barbee’s condescension toward African Americans knew few limits.

— kate masur, Smithsonian, "How One Amateur Historian Brought Us the Stories of African-Americans Who Knew Abraham Lincoln," 20 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condescension.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.