: low regard or esteem for someone or something : lack of respect
treating a teacher with disrespect
meant no disrespect to you
disrespectfulness
noun
: lacking proper respect in speech or action : showing disesteem or contempt
remarks that were disrespectful of the law
disrespectful of a man's rights
: uncivil, discourteous
disrespectful in the presence of elders
disrespectfulness
noun
"+
Examples of disrespect in a Sentence
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
Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Historical novelists are often charged with disrespect and unseriousness, of ransacking the archives for sensational scenery to hang behind their conventional family sagas and love stories.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Successful skewing of schedules, or further disrespect toward West Coast baseball?
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Is Uribe actually good enough to back up this level of disrespect?
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Noun
The idea is a partial and symbolic sharing, and the purpose is to break the link between hard work and disrespect.
—Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Historical novelists are often charged with disrespect and unseriousness, of ransacking the archives for sensational scenery to hang behind their conventional family sagas and love stories.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Successful skewing of schedules, or further disrespect toward West Coast baseball?
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Is Uribe actually good enough to back up this level of disrespect?
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 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 11 Jun. 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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