disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbē-dē-ən(t)s 

-ō-ˈbē-

: refusal or neglect to obey

Synonyms

• balkiness
• contrariness
• contumacy
• defiance
• frowardness
• insubordination
• intractability
• obstreperousness
• rebellion
• rebelliousness
• recalcitrance
• refractoriness
• unruliness
• waywardness
• willfulness

Examples of disobedience in a Sentence

The student's disobedience shocked the teacher.

The dog was punished for its disobedience.

Recent Examples on the Web

These laws sought to punish the people of Massachusetts for their disobedience during the Boston Tea Party by suspending civil government and trial by jury, among other things. —Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025

Yes From an early age, we are taught that obedience is good, and disobedience is bad. —Dr. Sunita Sah, TIME, 4 Jan. 2025

In the past six years, Ohio has issued close to 885,000 suspensions and expulsions for comments and misbehaviors tagged as disobedience or disruption. —Meredith Kolodner, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

On the other, her disobedience results from her gullibility and erroneous reason. —Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disobedience

• civil disobedience

Kids Definition

disobedience

noun

dis·​obe·​di·​ence ˌdis-ə-ˈbēd-ē-ən(t)s 

: failure or refusal to obey

disobedient

-ənt

adjective

disobediently adverb