insubordinate

adjective

in·​sub·​or·​di·​nate ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət How to pronounce insubordinate (audio)
-ˈbȯrd-nət
Synonyms of insubordinatenext
: disobedient to authority
insubordinate noun
insubordinately adverb

Examples of insubordinate in a Sentence

His behavior was unprofessional and insubordinate. the junior officer was court-martialed for being insubordinate
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Weiss' defenders have blasted the show's staff as insubordinate and misdirected. Arkansas Online, 26 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, Monica is having work troubles at her new job as head chef at Allesandro's restaurant involving an insubordinate kitchen staff, and Phoebe sets out to write a Christmas song for her friends but struggles with rhymes. Eric Todisco, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025 Sean Audy with the Will County sheriff’s office said the defendant also caused trouble at the Will County jail, including threatening a deputy, being insubordinate and uncooperative. Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2025 Respondents said those issues include violent, destructive or insubordinate behavior by the students. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for insubordinate

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insubordinate was circa 1828

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Cite this Entry

“Insubordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubordinate. Accessed 2 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

insubordinate

adjective
in·​sub·​or·​di·​nate ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯrd-ᵊn-ət How to pronounce insubordinate (audio)
-ˈbȯrd-nət
: not obeying authority : disobedient
insubordinately adverb
insubordination noun

More from Merriam-Webster on insubordinate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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