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
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Newcastle’s staff felt they were almost disrespected at times, while Liverpool grew frustrated by the tactics deployed by Eddie Howe’s side during matches (and assistant head coach Jason Tindall’s antics on the touchline).
—Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2025
My concerns have only doubled since the hearing, at which two academics from the University of Connecticut’s Puerto Rican Studies Initiative for Civic Engagement and Public Policy were treated with suspicion and sidelong disrespect by certain legislators.
—Julio Fuentes, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Verb
Read on for tips to get fresh ideas off the ground without disturbing or disrespecting existing foundations.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Newcastle’s staff felt they were almost disrespected at times, while Liverpool grew frustrated by the tactics deployed by Eddie Howe’s side during matches (and assistant head coach Jason Tindall’s antics on the touchline).
—Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
The disrespect of Shedeur Sanders has reached absurd levels.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 9 Mar. 2025
My concerns have only doubled since the hearing, at which two academics from the University of Connecticut’s Puerto Rican Studies Initiative for Civic Engagement and Public Policy were treated with suspicion and sidelong disrespect by certain legislators.
—Julio Fuentes, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
Cite this Entry
“Disrespect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disrespect. Accessed 31 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
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