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.
While Reynoso was getting in trouble, being insubordinate and dealing with suspensions, Rodriguez has been entirely more benign. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026 What is supposed to be a brief stay is extended when Pepper is deemed insubordinate by the cold and menacing staff. Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026 New research shows Hinton’s premonitions about the insubordinate streak of AI may already be a reality. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 No one’s arc is insubordinate; no one’s emotional logic is insignificant. Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026 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 13 May. 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

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