impertinence

[ im-pur-tn-uhns ]

noun

1. unmannerly intrusion or presumption; insolence.
2. impertinent quality or action.
3. something impertinent, as an act or statement.
4. an impertinent person.
5. irrelevance, inappropriateness, or absurdity.

impertinence

/ ɪmˈpɜːtɪnəns /

noun

1. disrespectful behaviour or language; rudeness; insolence
2. an impertinent act, gesture, etc
3. rare.
   lack of pertinence; irrelevance; inappropriateness

Word History and Origins

Origin of impertinence¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; impertin(ency) + -ence

Example Sentences

Coach Matt Peet is normally poker-faced but laughed uproariously in the stand at the sheer impertinence and invention.

From BBC

It follows that the impertinence of Robert Costello, a defense witness who muttered in disagreement with Judge Juan M. Merchan’s rulings, probably caught the jury’s attention more than the flaws in Cohen’s largely even presentation — especially once Merchan forcefully rebuked Costello’s buffoonish grandstanding.

From Los Angeles Times

Other meta impertinence plays directly to screen junkies.

From Salon

Admirers called them lively topicality and refreshing impertinence.

From New York Times

At some moments, this prequel series matches the goofy impertinence that made 1978’s “Grease” feature so lovable.

From Los Angeles Times