incivility

noun

in·​ci·​vil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-sə-ˈvi-lə-tē 

1

: the quality or state of being uncivil

2

: a rude or discourteous act

Synonyms

• dis [slang]
• diss
• discourteousness
• discourtesy
• disrespect
• disrespectfulness
• impertinence
• impertinency
• impoliteness
• impudence
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration
• insolence
• rudeness
• ungraciousness

Examples of incivility in a Sentence

We chose to ignore their little insults and incivilities.

I won't tolerate incivility, and that includes text messaging while I'm speaking.

Recent Examples on the Web

Recent recalls raise concerns about food safety, but experts credit better regulation and technology For an unexpected way to experience Iceland, pack some knitting needles Overwhelmed by election incivility? —Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 19 Oct. 2024

Will younger generations be interested in working in firms who have leaders with questionable morals or fields besieged by negativity and incivility? —Joyce E. A. Russell, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Managers who allow or foster workplace incivility—such as bullying, rude interactions or unbridled criticism—create a vicious cycle in which employees are more likely to engage in these uncivil actions. —Bybryan Robinson, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2024

Over the years, many scholars have studied how candidates and officeholders communicate with the public and found patterns of negativity, incivility and irrational language. —Christopher Miller, The Conversation, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French incivilité, from Late Latin incivilitat-, incivilitas, from incivilis, from Latin in- + civilis civil

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

incivility

noun

in·​ci·​vil·​i·​ty ˌin(t)-sə-ˈvil-ət-ē 

plural incivilities

1

: the quality or state of being impolite

2

: a rude or discourteous act