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
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
In hundreds of communications reviewed by USA TODAY, Rochelle described falling behind on mortgage payments, needing help finding a daycare in Austin and feeling disrespected by caseworkers.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Thousands are expressing on social media that MUO’s decision marks a turning point in beauty pageants and that the situation conveys a clear message of zero tolerance for abuse and disrespect.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Screech your outrage, ACC schools disrespected by just one bid and pound your shoes on a desk somewhere, Notre Dame haters, especially those in the commonwealth of Kentucky and in the sunny setting of Miami.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
In hundreds of communications reviewed by USA TODAY, Rochelle described falling behind on mortgage payments, needing help finding a daycare in Austin and feeling disrespected by caseworkers.
—Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
The manner in which Miller kept the remains showed disrespect, Carpenter said.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025
Thousands are expressing on social media that MUO’s decision marks a turning point in beauty pageants and that the situation conveys a clear message of zero tolerance for abuse and disrespect.
—Paula Soria, AZCentral.com, 5 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share