Disobedient: meaning, definitions and examples

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disobedient

 

[ ˌdɪs.əˈbiː.di.ənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Failing or refusing to obey rules or someone in authority.

Synonyms

defiant, insubordinate, rebellious, unruly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disobedient

This word is used when someone does not follow rules, instructions, or commands.

  • The disobedient child refused to clean his room despite being told several times.
  • The dog is disobedient and won't sit when commanded.
defiant

This word describes a person or behavior that openly resists authority or norms, showing a bold refusal.

  • Her defiant attitude was clear when she openly challenged the teacher in front of the class.
  • The protestors remained defiant despite the heavy police presence.
rebellious

This word is used when someone opposes authority or control, often in a broader sense, including societal or familial rebellion.

  • Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase where they challenge their parents' rules.
  • The rebellious group sought to overthrow the government.
insubordinate

This term is typically used in a workplace or military setting to describe someone who refuses to follow the orders or directives of a superior.

  • The insubordinate employee ignored the manager's instructions.
  • The soldier was punished for being insubordinate to his commanding officer.
unruly

This word describes someone or behavior that is difficult to control or manage, often associated with noisiness or disorder.

  • The unruly class made it difficult for the teacher to conduct the lesson.
  • The unruly mob was hard to disperse.

Examples of usage

  • He was punished for his disobedient behavior in class.
  • The disobedient child refused to listen to his parents.
  • She was known for being disobedient and rebellious.
Context #2 | Adjective

pet

Not doing what someone or something is told to do.

Synonyms

disruptive, mischievous, naughty, wayward.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disobedient

Used to describe someone who does not follow rules or instructions.

  • The disobedient child refused to clean his room
  • The dog was disobedient and did not come when called
disruptive

Used to describe actions or behaviors that interrupt or disturb an event, activity, or process.

  • The disruptive student kept talking during the lecture
  • The construction work was disruptive to the neighborhood's peace
naughty

Often used to describe children who behave badly or do not follow rules, typically in a light-hearted or affectionate way.

  • The naughty puppy chewed on the shoes
  • She told her naughty son to stop playing with his food
mischievous

Used to describe someone who enjoys causing trouble in a playful or harmless way.

  • The mischievous boy hid his sister's toys
  • The cat was mischievous, always knocking things off the table
wayward

Used to describe someone who is difficult to control because they behave in unpredictable or independent ways, often with a hint of rebellion.

  • The wayward teenager refused to listen to any advice
  • His wayward behavior led him into trouble

Examples of usage

  • The disobedient dog kept running away from its owner.
  • The cat was disobedient and scratched the furniture.

Translations

Translations of the word "disobedient" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desobediente

🇮🇳 आज्ञा न मानने वाला

🇩🇪 ungehorsam

🇮🇩 tidak patuh

🇺🇦 непокірний

🇵🇱 nieposłuszny

🇯🇵 反抗的な

🇫🇷 désobéissant

🇪🇸 desobediente

🇹🇷 itaatsiz

🇰🇷 반항적인

🇸🇦 عاص

🇨🇿 neposlušný

🇸🇰 neposlušný

🇨🇳 不服从的

🇸🇮 neposlušen

🇮🇸 óhlýðinn

🇰🇿 тіл алмайтын

🇬🇪 უთანხმო

🇦🇿 itaətsiz

🇲🇽 desobediente

Etymology

The word 'disobedient' originates from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', and the word 'obedient' which comes from the Latin word 'obedientem' meaning 'obeying, compliant'. The concept of disobedience has been present throughout history as individuals have challenged authority or rules for various reasons.

See also: disobediently.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,150, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.