impudent

American  

[im-pyuh-duhnt] / ˈɪm pyə dənt /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by impertinence or effrontery.

   The student was kept late for impudent behavior.

   Synonyms:

   brazen, fresh, presumptuous, pert, saucy, rude, insulting

   Antonyms:

   courteous

2. Obsolete. shameless or brazenly immodest.

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impudent British  

/ ˈɪmpjʊdənt /

adjective

1. mischievous, impertinent, or disrespectful

2. an obsolete word for immodest

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Related Words

See impertinent.

Other Word Forms

• impudently adverb
• impudentness noun

Etymology

Origin of impudent

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Latin impudent- (stem of impudēns ) “shameless,” equivalent to im- im- ² + pud- (base of pudēre “to feel shame”; pudendum ) + -ent- -ent

Example Sentences

Pope pushed on against the second new ball, the highlight being an impudent flick over fine leg for six off Victor Nyauchi.

From BBC • May 22, 2025

“I’ll strike my words but I’m not apologizing,” returned Greene, with the gusto of an impudent teenager.

From Slate • May 21, 2024

“Fargo” sets tell a potent story by themselves, and one accent you may not have noticed is the impudent double meanings in the surroundings.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2023

Yet the controversy had the effect of typecasting Gurba as the impudent indie writer willing to torch the publishing industry to make a point about diversity.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2023

I pour my heart out to you, and the rest of the time I’m as impudent, cheerful and self-confident as possible to avoid questions and keep from getting on my own nerves.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Related Words

• brazen
• cheeky