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Definition of insubordinate

insubordinate

/ˌɪn.səˈbɔːr.dən.ət/
in · sub · or · di · nate
Adverb:insubordinately
•
Plural:insubordinates
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insubordinate Lexical Profile

insubordinate Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Defiant of authority; refusing to obey orders or submit to higher rank.

Example

"The manager issued a formal reprimand after the employee made several insubordinate remarks during the staff meeting."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A person who is defiant of authority or refuses to obey orders.

Example

"Strict disciplinary protocols were established to deal with insubordinates who disregarded safety regulations."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for insubordinate

• Nearby Words

instrumental
instrumentalist
instrumentally
insubordinate
insubordinately
insubordination
insubstantial

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from French insubordonné, formed from the privative prefix in- ('not') and subordinate, ultimately deriving from Medieval Latin subordinatus ('placed in an inferior rank').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Insubordinate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/insubordinate
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