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
Crystal Cene, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
After a year of Trump disrespecting European allies, many had wondered how much of the old transatlantic ties remained.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
Not the kind of disrespect that doesn’t see you as human, mind.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Verb
Sadly, too many of us have felt dismissed or disrespected by a doctor.
—Crystal Cene, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
After a year of Trump disrespecting European allies, many had wondered how much of the old transatlantic ties remained.
—Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
No disrespect to Polin or Benophie, but the ton just isn’t the same without Bridgerton’s Kanthony—that would be Kate Sharma Bridgerton and Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, thank you very much.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 29 Jan. 2026
Not the kind of disrespect that doesn’t see you as human, mind.
—Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026
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 Jan. 2026.
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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