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
Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 24 May 2025
This is in no way shade or disrespect to the many celebrities who come to Kansas City every year to raise money for Children’s Mercy during Big Slick Celebrity Weekend.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Rarely are signs of disrespect and arrogance brushed aside — especially if that player doesn’t possess elite skills, which most NFL talent evaluators agree, young Sanders does not.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for disrespect
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Verb
The missing displays that once filled the lobbies of two floors of the library sparked anguish in the Five Points neighborhood as leaders in the Black community feared the Denver Public Library was erasing their history and disrespecting a community that has contributed so much to the city.
—Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 24 May 2025
This is in no way shade or disrespect to the many celebrities who come to Kansas City every year to raise money for Children’s Mercy during Big Slick Celebrity Weekend.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2025
Noun
No disrespect to Webb either, but the Dodgers-Giants rivalry demands that this dramatic pennant race not end without the teams facing each other.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
Rarely are signs of disrespect and arrogance brushed aside — especially if that player doesn’t possess elite skills, which most NFL talent evaluators agree, young Sanders does not.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 28 Apr. 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 8 Jun. 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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