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
Nicolee Ambrose, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
The producers didn’t intend to disrespect film scoring.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2026
Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025
Bro, don’t marry Svetlana (no disrespect to Svetlana).
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Verb
In addition to callous disregard for former Marylanders’ livelihoods and well-being, by not maintaining the voter rolls, the State Board of Elections disrespects every single Marylander who has a right to vote.
—Nicolee Ambrose, Baltimore Sun, 13 Jan. 2026
The producers didn’t intend to disrespect film scoring.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2026
Noun
Chinese diplomatic backlash was instantaneous, with one Chinese official based in Tokyo threatening to cut off her head for the disrespect of her comments.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 29 Dec. 2025
Bro, don’t marry Svetlana (no disrespect to Svetlana).
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 27 Dec. 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 20 Jan. 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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