What does disrespectable mean?
Disrespectable is an adjective meaning not respectable — that is, falling short of the standards of decency, propriety, or social acceptability expected in polite society. It is typically applied to conduct, appearance, language, or company that would embarrass a person of standing: a disrespectable remark, a disrespectable crowd, a disrespectable hour of the night. The word carries a distinctly judgemental tone, implying an external standard of respectability against which someone or something has been measured and found wanting. It is less common than its close relative 'disreputable', which stresses damaged reputation rather than mere impropriety, and it can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary in modern usage. Formed by adding the negative prefix 'dis-' to 'respectable', it belongs to a family of Latinate words built on the root 'spectare' (to look), literally suggesting something that cannot be looked upon with approval. It remains useful when precision matters — for impropriety rather than outright infamy.
adjectiveNot respectable; lacking the qualities regarded as proper, decent, or socially acceptable.
- Failing to conform to accepted standards of respectability or good behaviour; not decent or proper in appearance or conduct.
"He was dismissed from the club for his disrespectable conduct at the annual dinner."
"The landlord refused to rent to anyone he deemed disrespectable."
"Her disrespectable laughter during the solemn ceremony drew disapproving glances."
It's the rare negative twin of 'respectable' — a word that sounds almost like it shouldn't exist, yet has been quietly judging bad manners since the eighteenth century.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of disrespectable
Disrespectable was formed in English by combining the Latin-derived prefix 'dis-' with 'respectable', itself from Latin 'respectare' (to look back at, regard). The word emerged in the eighteenth century as writers sought a direct negative of 'respectable'. It shares its ultimate root with words such as 'respect', 'inspect', and 'suspect', all built on the Latin verb 'specere/spectare' (to look or observe).
How disrespectable is actually used
Relatively uncommon compared with 'disreputable'; tends to appear in slightly formal or old-fashioned contexts describing conduct, appearance, or associations that fall short of social respectability.
Easily confused with disrespectable
'Disreputable' means having a bad reputation, while 'disrespectable' more narrowly means failing to meet standards of respectability or propriety.