Impudent: meaning, definitions and examples

Impudent is often used when someone shows a lack of respect in a bold and shameless manner, typically to an authority figure. It has a negative connotation.

• The impudent student talked back to the teacher without any hesitation.
• Her impudent behavior at the formal event shocked everyone.

Impertinent is used to describe someone who is being rude or showing a lack of respect, especially towards someone considered their superior. It has a formal and negative tone.

• The employee's impertinent question annoyed the manager.
• She found his impertinent behavior unacceptable during the meeting.

Insolent describes a person who is boldly rude or disrespectful. It is often used in formal and serious contexts with a strong negative connotation.

• Her insolent tone angered the professor.
• He was fired for making insolent comments to the clients.

Disrespectful is a general term that denotes a lack of respect for someone or something. It can be used in various contexts, from serious to less formal situations.

• The teenager’s disrespectful tone upset his parents.
• It's disrespectful to talk during a presentation.

Cheeky is often used in a more playful or humorous context to describe someone who is a little rude or irreverent but in an amusing or endearing way.

• The cheeky child grinned as he hid the teacher's chalk.
• She made a cheeky remark about the boss's new haircut.

Brazen is used when someone is very bold and shameless about something that is considered wrong or shocking. It usually has a negative undertone.

• He had the brazen audacity to lie directly to the judge.
• Her brazen disregard for the rules was astonishing.