Definition of INSUBORDINATE (original) (raw)
: disobedient to authority
Synonyms
Examples of insubordinate in a Sentence
His behavior was unprofessional and insubordinate. the junior officer was court-martialed for being insubordinate
Recent Examples on the Web If anything, Truman waited too long to do it after MacArthur failed to anticipate or even detect the Chinese intervention and then grew increasingly insubordinate, criticizing Truman and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in his communications with Congress. —
Mike Gallagher, Foreign Affairs, 26 July 2023 But even just with blueprints for the space, Culpepper tried to block out those moments in a way that made sense for the shifting power dynamics between would-be teacher and insubordinate student, alternating who appeared taller and more in control of the frame. —Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 July 2024 What’s more, a recent WFH Research study co-authored by workplace guru Nick Bloom found that frustrated managers are increasingly likely to take action against insubordinate remote workers. —Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 19 July 2024 Outside commentators should not necessarily read a slow-moving Pentagon as insubordinate, or a frustrated White House as unreasonable. —Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 12 Feb. 2018 See all Example Sentences for insubordinate 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insubordinate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1828, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of insubordinate was circa 1828
Dictionary Entries Near insubordinate
Cite this Entry
“Insubordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insubordinate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 18 Aug 2024 - Updated example sentences
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