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

By then, the mainstream media was paying close attention to Gawker with a mix of fascination over its scoops and chatty, compelling voices, and condescension because its journalistic standards were not as strict as theirs. —Frank Digiacomo, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026

Trying to control the tenor, topic, and locale of expression, whether by policy or by condescension, only serves to chill it. —Aileen Favilla, New York Daily News, 4 May 2026

There is no hint of condescension in her writing, which is part of its difficulty and its power. —Literary Hub, 9 Apr. 2026

There is no hint of condescension in her writing, which is part of its difficulty and its power. —Kristen Roupenian, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026

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