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

Many voters can’t forget the first 2020 debate, which stood out for its incivility and interruptions. —The Arizona Republic, 27 June 2024

Trickle-down incivility Rina Shah is a political strategist and a former Republican congressional aide, and a Republican who opposes Trump. —Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 15 June 2024

My take is that what’s going on reflects the anger and acting out — the incivility — and abdication of the rule of personal responsibility going on all around us. —Dean Minnich, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2024

The rising presence of incivility tells us the threat is already here. —Jan Bruce, Forbes, 14 Feb. 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