dis·re·spect
ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt 
disrespected; disrespecting; disrespects
1
: to lack special regard or respect for : to have disrespect (see disrespect entry 2) for
disrespects authority
: low regard or esteem for someone or something : lack of respect
treating a teacher with disrespect
meant no disrespect to you
disrespectfulness
noun
Examples of disrespect in a Sentence
Verb
a comedian who shuns jokes that disrespect people because of their appearance
the player once again disrespected fans by refusing to sign autographs
Noun
The student treated the teacher with disrespect.
I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect.
He showed a shocking disrespect for authority.
Recent Examples on the Web
Steve Silverman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The trio are far from the first tourists to disrespect the Baroque water feature, which was completed in 1762, despite the many signs around it indicating the penalties for attempting to enter or drink the water.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
This isn’t to say Kate’s disrespect to her husband was appropriate.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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.
Verb
The position of running back has been thoroughly disrespected by NFL decision makers for much of the last decade.
—Steve Silverman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
The trio are far from the first tourists to disrespect the Baroque water feature, which was completed in 1762, despite the many signs around it indicating the penalties for attempting to enter or drink the water.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
The level of disrespect and dishonesty has left me feeling there would be no way to ever trust or feel emotionally safe around my sister.
—R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
This isn’t to say Kate’s disrespect to her husband was appropriate.
—R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Articles Related to disrespect
Cite this Entry
“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
disrespect
1 of 2 verb
dis·re·spect
ˌdis-ri-ˈspekt
1
: to have disrespect for
2
: to show or express disrespect or dislike for : insult
disrespect
2 of 2 noun
: lack of respect : discourtesy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share