uncivil

adjective

un·​civ·​il ˌən-ˈsi-vəl 

1

: not civilized : barbarous

2

: lacking in courtesy : ill-mannered, impolite

uncivil remarks

3

: not conducive to civic harmony and welfare

uncivilly

ˌən-ˈsi-və-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• barbarian
• barbaric
• barbarous
• heathen
• heathenish
• natural
• Neanderthal
• Neandertal
• rude
• savage
• uncivilized
• uncultivated
• wild

Examples of uncivil in a Sentence

the uncivil and wild land that the pioneers tamed and settled

such uncivil behavior will not be tolerated

Recent Examples on the Web

He and other attendees were disrupted by unruly, uncivil pro-Palestinian protesters who attempted to take over the meeting to push their agenda. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025

Ugly debates, uncivil exchanges and threats of violence are not new in politics. —Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025

There is a valid reason for this: Discussing current politics is divisive and usually escalates to a heated and sometimes uncivil exchange with someone’s feelings getting hurt. —Michel A. Ibrahim, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025

And in their place? Recommended Respect An uncivil union: Can America break its addiction to violent rhetoric? —Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1553, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for uncivil

• civil
• divil
• drivel
• shrivel
• swivel

Kids Definition

uncivil

adjective

un·​civ·​il ˌən-ˈsiv-əl 

1

: not civilized : barbarous

2

: lacking in courtesy : ill-mannered

uncivil remarks