disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s 

-ō-ˈbē-

: refusal or neglect to obey

Synonyms

• rebellion
• defiance
• willfulness
• rebelliousness

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

Misbehaviors tagged as disobedience affect Black students disproportionately and are the justification in a third of all suspension and expulsions. —Meredith Kolodner, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Will the Ruska Roma turn on one of its own for disobedience? —ArsTechnica, 10 June 2025

Alleging disobedience, among other claimed doctrinal infractions, the OCA excommunicated the Homyks and longtime parish council leader Priscilla Rivera. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025

Disgraced female Wakandan warrior Noni (voiced by Winnie Harlow), who has been banished from the kingdom’s female elite forces the Dora Milaje for disobedience, is dispatched on a mission to track-down the general and bring him back. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disobedience

• civil disobedience

Rhymes for disobedience

• expedience
• obedience

Kids Definition

disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s 

: failure or refusal to obey

disobedient

-ənt

adjective

disobediently adverb