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

The disobedience that led to Braun’s removal from that gym might’ve been a trait that needed maturation, but the underlying swagger and cockiness are essential to what his current coach, Michael Malone, wants from him. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2024

Whistle-blowing, by contrast, is closer to deliberate disobedience on the battlefield. —Michael Walzer, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2018

Popular on Variety In another dream, the Old Man Creator sees four mischievous coyotes, the embodiment of disobedience and defiance. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 13 Aug. 2024

The Faustian tale is always a diabolically theological one, an orthodox tale with doubt, risk, and disobedience at its center. —James Wood, The New Yorker, 5 Aug. 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