incivility

[ in-suh-vil-i-tee ]

noun

, plural in·ci·vil·i·ties

1. the quality or condition of being uncivil; discourteous behavior or treatment.

   Synonyms: uncouthness, boorishness, rudeness

2. an uncivil act.

   Synonyms: discourtesy

incivility

/ ɪnsɪˈvɪlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of civility or courtesy; rudeness
2. an impolite or uncivil act or remark

Other Words From

• in·civ·il [in-, siv, -, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incivility¹

From the Late Latin word incīvīlitās, dating back to 1575–85. See in- ³, civility

Example Sentences

The project intends to tackle public incivility, like shouting matches, insults and threats, and in doing so remind people of what they have in common and upend government dysfunction.

From Seattle Times

Despite the city's reputation for incivility, it takes a lot to push New Yorkers to outright rejection.

From Salon

He would, he said, dedicate himself to ensuring that “France remains France,” reintroducing civics lessons, instituting a form of mandatory community service for teenagers, combating illegal immigration and doubling the police presence in the streets to fight drugs and “incivility.”

From New York Times

But their repeatedly calling each other liars and bullies compounded the incivility.

From Los Angeles Times

Wright refers to it as an “incivility that was unusual in our political culture at the time. All of that was before Kennedy was killed. And then it was shocking how the whole country turned on Dallas. And blamed Dallas for killing Kennedy. It was as if each of us was, in some respects, a murderer. Because we created this culture that empowered the mythical right-wing fanatic to kill Kennedy. And, of course, that’s not what happened.”

From Seattle Times