Meaning & use
insubordination
Refusal to obey the orders or authority of someone in a position of power, especially at work.
See it in a sentence
The soldier was disciplined for insubordination after ignoring a direct order from his commander.
The company fired the employee for repeated insubordination toward her supervisor.
A note on using this word
Insubordination specifically involves defying a legitimate authority figure, distinct from general disobedience or rule-breaking.
Words with a similar meaning
defiancedisobedience
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
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