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
Doha Madani, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
But even in death, Jackson has an answer for those who would still disrespect him.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
The disrespect to our officers starts with you.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Verb
What a disappointment to have something so joyous tarnished by a dreadful reality where women are being belittled & disrespected for existing.
—Doha Madani, NBC news, 25 Feb. 2026
But even in death, Jackson has an answer for those who would still disrespect him.
—Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
Those dousings also prompted outrage from police leaders — who decried it as an inexcusable sign of disrespect, and even suggested that officers willing to walk away from that kind of horseplay should consider another line of work.
—Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026
The disrespect to our officers starts with you.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Cite this Entry
“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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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