What does uncivil mean?
Uncivil describes conduct or speech that is rude, disrespectful, or lacking courtesy. It is usually more forceful than the plain word “impolite” and often suggests a failure of basic social manners: an uncivil remark can wound someone, while uncivil behavior may disrupt a public setting. The term can also describe something marked by hostility or contempt rather than deliberate rudeness. Though encountered in ordinary conversation, uncivil is somewhat more formal and more strongly evaluative than neutral descriptions such as “bad-mannered.” It is useful because it names not merely an unpleasant manner but a breach of respect and social regard. The word also has a historical dimension: in older usage, it could refer to being outside civilized society, though that sense is now rare. Today its dominant sense concerns behavior that falls short of civility and courteous treatment.
adjectiveRude, disrespectful, or lacking courtesy. It describes behavior, speech, or treatment that falls short of civil or considerate conduct.
- Rude, disrespectful, or lacking courtesy in behavior, speech, or treatment.
- Not belonging to or characteristic of a civilized society; uncouth or barbarous. This sense is now archaic or uncommon.
"His uncivil reply to a reasonable question turned a minor disagreement into an argument."
"The guide apologized for the tourists' uncivil behavior in the museum."
"Rather than answer the question, he made an uncivil remark about the interviewer."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does uncivil come from?
Uncivil was formed in English by combining the prefix un-, meaning “not,” with civil, meaning courteous or socially proper. The element civil comes through Old French from Latin civilis, an adjective associated with citizens and civic life. Uncivil and related forms such as civility and civilian therefore belong to the same broad Latin etymological family.
Related word forms
How uncivil is actually used
Uncivil is standard in British and American English. It is generally more formal and more strongly negative than descriptions such as “bad-mannered,” and it implies a lack of courtesy, respect, or restraint.