uncivil

American  

[uhn-siv-uhl] / ʌnˈsɪv əl /

adjective

1. without good manners; unmannerly; rude; impolite; discourteous.

   Synonyms:

   boorish, uncouth, disrespectful

2. uncivilized.

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uncivil British  

/ ˌʌnsɪˈvɪlɪtɪ, ʌnˈsɪvəl /

adjective

1. lacking civility or good manners

2. an obsolete word for uncivilized

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Other Word Forms

• uncivility noun
• uncivilly adverb
• uncivilness noun

Etymology

Origin of uncivil

First recorded in 1545–55; un- ¹ + civil

Explanation

If you're uncivil, you're not very polite. It's not okay to be uncivil to other people, even online. The original meaning of uncivil was a more extreme version of today's — it meant "barbarous." Now it simply means "not very nice" or "impolite." You might be excused for being uncivil to your younger brother if he's driving you crazy, especially if you've had a difficult day. Uncivil comes from the Latin root civilis, "relating to a society," or "befitting a citizen."

Example Sentences

It also reminds me of uncivil disobedience—getting in the way, but using perfectly lawful tools.

From Slate • Aug. 15, 2025

As Jamieson noted, “We’re influenced by what we see around us. If I hear a lot of what we would traditionally mark off as uncivil discourse, it seems normal to me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2025

“We must end this uncivil war that pits red against blue, rural versus urban, conservative versus liberal,” Mr. Biden said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 28, 2023

But the section became “an uncivil place that drives readers away” with hateful, personal attacks driving away those trying to engage in thoughtful conversation.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 28, 2023

I saw her in a black gown and widow’s cap; frigid, perhaps, but not uncivil: a model of elderly English respectability.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë