impudence

[ im-pyuh-duhns ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being impudent; effrontery; insolence.

   Synonyms: boldness, brazenness, rudeness, pertness, lip, face, brass, impertinence, gall, nerve, sauce, presumption

   Antonyms: courtesy

2. impudent conduct or language.
3. Obsolete. lack of modesty; shamelessness.

impudence

/ ˈɪmpjʊdəns /

noun

1. the quality of being impudent
2. an impudent act or statement

Word History and Origins

Origin of impudence¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin impudentia shamelessness. See impudent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of impudence¹

C14: from Latin impudēns shameless, from im- (not) + pudēns modest; see pudency

Example Sentences

Plus, so much of the post-defenestration discourse around Santos assumes that his impudence, on its own, opens the door to his next act: Perhaps a reality TV series?

From Salon

It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously.

From Salon

Apparently, that impudence is what provoked Greene into calling Boebert a bad name.

From Seattle Times

Apparently triggered by the liberal scholar’s impudence, Alito fired back, warning ominously, “It’s not dark yet, but it’s getting there.”

From Los Angeles Times

"It is the height of the double-dealing and impudence peculiar to the U.S. to provoke first and then talk about the so-called 'responsible control over divergence of opinion,'" the commentary said.

From Reuters