discourtesy

noun

dis·​cour·​te·​sy (ˌ)dis-ˈkər-tə-sē 

1

: rudeness

2

: a rude act

Synonyms

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

Examples of discourtesy in a Sentence

His tardiness was just another in a series of small discourtesies.

the courtiers shuddered at the discourtesy shown to the king

Recent Examples on the Web

At least seven different civilian complaints have been lodged against the sergeant, alleging excessive force, discourtesy and abuse of authority. —Shayla Colon, New York Times, 11 Dec. 2024

Henderson then accused her of discourtesy and ordered her transferred to the 73rd Precinct then back to the 79th Precinct in one day. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 16 July 2024

The increase was spread nearly evenly across four broad categories — misuse of force, abuse of authority, discourtesy and offensive language. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2024

That’s touch, and Payne’s always had it, this knack for crudeness and discourtesy, for pleasing whiffs of sweetness that can take the form of wit or revenge, pettiness or justice. —Wesley Morris, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023

On Twitter, Tyler Winklevoss complained that Gensler had shared the SEC’s legal complaint with the media before serving it on Gemini—a type of discourtesy frowned upon by serious lawyers, which is likely explained by the fact Gensler himself is not an attorney. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2023

In an act of blatant discourtesy, the 20-year-old reporter-in-training pulled out the mobile phone and answered it. —Mike Finger, San Antonio Express-News, 20 Feb. 2023

The brouhaha, especially the recent arrest at the school board meeting, has left residents of all races, political loyalties and religious beliefs lamenting the disruption and discourtesy. —Washington Post, 1 July 2021

McManus, in firing the officers, also cited acts of incompetency, discourtesy and lack of moral character. —Express-News Staff Report, ExpressNews.com, 12 Aug. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for discourtesy

• courtesy
• curtesy

Kids Definition

discourtesy

noun

dis·​cour·​te·​sy dis-ˈkərt-ə-sē 

plural discourtesies

1

: rude behavior

2

: a rude act