Meaning & use
the audacity
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrasedisapproving
Bold and shocking rudeness that shows a lack of respect for others.
Grammar: Used with 'the' and often followed by 'to' + verb: 'She had the audacity to interrupt me.'
Patterns
- the audacity to do something
- have the audacity to do something
He had the audacity to ask for a refund after eating the whole meal.
The audacity of that driver! He cut right in front of us.
I can't believe she had the audacity to lie to my face.
phrasefixed phrase
A bold, confident quality that makes people take risks or challenge authority.
Grammar: Used when the speaker admires or is impressed by the boldness, not always negatively.
Patterns
- the audacity to do something
- the audacity of someone
It took real audacity to start a business during a recession.
The audacity of the young artist impressed the gallery owner.
She spoke with the audacity of someone who had nothing to lose.
Common combinations
- have the audacity to do something
- He had the audacity to complain about the free food.
- the audacity of someone
- The audacity of the politician amazed everyone.
- the audacity!
- The audacity! She just took my seat without asking.
- sheer audacity
- It was sheer audacity that made him try to climb that wall.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nerve
- Informal and often used in the phrase 'have the nerve to'; it can also mean courage, while 'audacity' usually suggests shocking boldness.
- cheek
- British informal; it suggests disrespectful boldness, often in a less serious or more playful way than 'audacity'.
- impudence
- More formal and old-fashioned; it means rude boldness, especially from someone younger or lower in rank.
Opposites
Word family
- audacious adjective
- Willing to take bold risks or showing shocking rudeness.
- audaciously adverb
- In a bold and shocking way.
Commonly confused: the audacity or audacity? the audacity or audacity?
the audacity vs audacity
The word 'audacity' is the noun; 'the audacity' is the phrase with the definite article. Learners sometimes forget 'the' in the fixed phrase.
the audacity vs audacity
Not to be confused with 'audacity' meaning 'boldness' in a positive sense; the phrase 'the audacity' often carries a disapproving or humorous tone.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'the audacity' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'The audacity' is a fixed phrase that needs the definite article 'the' before 'audacity' and is followed by 'to' + verb. Option A misses 'the'; option C uses 'an' incorrectly; option D uses 'for' instead of 'to'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the audacity”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.