insubordinate

1 of 2

adjective

in·​sub·​or·​di·​nate ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯr-də-nət 

-ˈbȯrd-nət

: disobedient to authority

insubordinate noun

insubordinately adverb

insubordination

ˌin(t)-sə-ˌbȯr-də-ˈnā-shən 

noun

insubordination

2 of 2

noun

in·​subordination "+ 

: the quality or state of being insubordinate : defiance of authority : mutiny

Synonyms of insubordinate

Adjective

• rebellious
• rebel
• defiant

Examples of insubordinate in a Sentence

Adjective

His behavior was unprofessional and insubordinate.

the junior officer was court-martialed for being insubordinate

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

People close to Weiss have said comments like Pelley’s show a stubborn, insubordinate streak that wouldn’t be tolerated in any work environment. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 7 June 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably from French, from in- in- entry 1 + subordination

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1828, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insubordinate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate
• isocyanate

Kids Definition

insubordinate

adjective

in·​sub·​or·​di·​nate ˌin(t)-sə-ˈbȯrd-ᵊn-ət 

-ˈbȯrd-nət

: not obeying authority : disobedient

insubordinately adverb

insubordination

-ˌbȯrd-ᵊn-ˈā-shən 

noun