dis·re·spect
ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 
disrespected; disrespecting; disrespects
1
: to lack special regard or respect for : to have disrespect (see disrespect entry 2) for
disrespects authority
: low regard or esteem for someone or something : lack of respect
treating a teacher with disrespect
meant no disrespect to you
disrespectfulness
noun
Examples of disrespect in a Sentence
Verb
a comedian who shuns jokes that disrespect people because of their appearance
the player once again disrespected fans by refusing to sign autographs
Noun
The student treated the teacher with disrespect.
I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect.
He showed a shocking disrespect for authority.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
What would Arabella say about the fact that for a few paltry bucks any fool can now buy, and then neglect and disrespect, her most treasured flora?
—A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 July 2025
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images Ahead of training camp and preseason action, LaFleur has received major disrespect.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics showed that over one-third of teachers are disrespected by students at least once a week and suffer weekly verbal abuse from students in 17% of schools.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
What would Arabella say about the fact that for a few paltry bucks any fool can now buy, and then neglect and disrespect, her most treasured flora?
—A.k. Whitney, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
On the show, the long-time parenting expert helped families address issues like lack of discipline, controlling behavior, sleep separation, disrespect and communication.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 July 2025
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images Ahead of training camp and preseason action, LaFleur has received major disrespect.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Cite this Entry
“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disrespect
1 of 2 verb
dis·re·spect
ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt
1
: to have disrespect for
2
: to show or express disrespect or dislike for : insult
disrespect
2 of 2 noun
: lack of respect : discourtesy
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