disrespectful
gb/dˌɪsɹɪspˈɛktfəl/ us/dˌɪsɹɪspˈɛktfəl/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
Rude through lack of respect
rude because you do not show respect for someone
Usage pattern:
disrespectful to/towards [someone]; [comment/behavior/tone] is disrespectful
Common mistake:
Use disrespectful to or towards a person, not usually disrespectful with a person.
Synonyms
rude (more general and common for impolite behavior)
|
impolite (milder; focuses on manners)
|
insolent (stronger and more formal; especially rude to authority)
Antonyms
respectful (showing proper respect)
|
polite (showing good manners)
|
courteous (politely and considerately respectful)
Collocations
disrespectful behavior
|disrespectful attitude
|disrespectful comment
|disrespectful language
|disrespectful tone
|disrespectful gesture
|openly disrespectful
|deeply disrespectful
|come across as disrespectful
|disrespectful to your parents
Themes
social_interaction
|manners
|emotions
Examples
- Rolling your eyes while someone is speaking can seem disrespectful.
- She apologized for being disrespectful to the teacher.
- His email was short, but I didn't find it disrespectful.
Learner examples
- Don't be disrespectful to your grandmother.
- That tone is disrespectful.
adjective
B2
property
2
Disregarding customs or sacred things
not treating an important custom, place, or belief with the respect it deserves
Usage pattern:
disrespectful of [custom/tradition/rule]; disrespectful to [culture/place/symbol]; it is disrespectful to [do something]
Common mistake:
Disrespectful of is common with customs, rules, traditions, and values.
Synonyms
irreverent (especially lacking respect for sacred or serious things)
|
insensitive (focuses on hurting or ignoring people's feelings)
|
sacrilegious (much stronger; specifically offensive to religion)
Antonyms
respectful (showing proper regard for what is valued)
|
reverent (deeply respectful, especially toward sacred things)
|
considerate (careful not to offend or hurt others)
Collocations
disrespectful of local customs
|disrespectful of tradition
|disrespectful to the culture
|disrespectful to the dead
|considered disrespectful
|culturally disrespectful
|potentially disrespectful
|disrespectful portrayal
|disrespectful use
|disrespectful in a sacred place
Themes
culture
|religion
|society
|ethics
Examples
- In that temple, taking photos during prayer is considered disrespectful.
- The campaign was criticized as disrespectful of local traditions.
- Some viewers felt the joke was disrespectful to the victims and their families.
Learner examples
- It is disrespectful to wear shoes there.
- Be careful not to be disrespectful of their customs.
adjective
slang
C1
property
3
Boldly humiliating or dominant
used online or in sports to say an action is very bold and makes the other person look bad
Usage pattern:
[move/play/performance] is disrespectful; that was disrespectful
Common mistake:
This slang use can be approving or humorous; avoid it in formal writing.
Synonyms
audacious (bold and daring, without the slang sense of humiliation)
|
savage (slang; brutally impressive or cutting)
|
dominant (focuses on control or superiority rather than disrespect)
Antonyms
restrained (not excessive or showy)
|
classy (winning or acting with style and respect)
|
respectful (not intended to embarrass or belittle)
Collocations
disrespectful dunk
|disrespectful move
|disrespectful crossover
|disrespectful finish
|absolutely disrespectful
|straight-up disrespectful
|that was disrespectful
|disrespectful comeback
Themes
sports
|internet
|entertainment
|slang
Examples
- That no-look pass was disrespectful, and the crowd loved it.
- He hit a game-winning shot over the defender, and everyone online called it disrespectful.
- The dunk was so powerful that fans described it as completely disrespectful.
Learner examples
- That dunk was disrespectful.
- Fans called the goal disrespectful.
Grammar
Dictionary form
disrespectful
IPA
GB/dˌɪsɹɪspˈɛktfəl/
US/dˌɪsɹɪspˈɛktfəl/
Syllables & stress
dis - respect - ful (3 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ful)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: disrespectful
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.