insolence

noun/ˈɪnsələns/

Frequency rank: #17,890 most common English word

Meaning

Rude and disrespectful behavior or speech, especially toward someone in authority.

Illustration for the English word “insolence”

Example sentence

The manager was shocked by the insolence the new employee showed when refusing to follow basic instructions.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 17,801–17,900