disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s How to pronounce disobedience (audio)
-ō-ˈbē-
: refusal or neglect to obey

Examples of disobedience in a Sentence

The student's disobedience shocked the teacher. The dog was punished for its disobedience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moja Rowa Colorful disobedience is how Moja Rowa cofounders Yelena Mojarova and Edward Benedikt Sittler characterize their creative spirit and brand ethos. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025 The ladies move closer to God through acts of disobedience, debauchery, and disgrace; by visiting seedy places and commingling with the disreputable. Nicole Flattery, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 Military culture makes disobedience difficult: Soldiers can be court-martialed for obeying an unlawful order, or for disobeying a lawful one. Charli Carpenter, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2025 Many individuals remain out of necessity, not due to willful disobedience , but because of sudden changes in personal or political circumstances—including armed conflict, economic collapse, or family emergencies. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disobedience

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disobedience was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disobedience.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disobedience. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

disobedience

noun
dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s How to pronounce disobedience (audio)
: failure or refusal to obey
disobedient
-ənt
adjective
disobediently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on disobedience

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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