Meaning & use
the definition of insubordination
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Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
A request for the meaning of the word 'insubordination', which means refusing to obey a person in authority.
Grammar: Used as a whole question or noun phrase; the key word is the noun 'insubordination', which is uncountable.
Patterns
- the definition of insubordination
- what is the definition of insubordination?
She looked up the definition of insubordination before her meeting with HR.
The teacher asked the class for the definition of insubordination, and several students raised their hands.
He was not sure about the definition of insubordination, so he checked an online dictionary.
noununcountableformal
Refusal to obey orders or accept the authority of a superior, especially in a workplace or the armed forces.
Grammar: Uncountable, so it has no plural and takes a singular verb: insubordination is a serious matter.
Patterns
- be guilty of insubordination
- charge someone with insubordination
- an act of insubordination
The officer was dismissed for insubordination after ignoring a direct order.
Repeated insubordination can lead to a formal warning or even dismissal.
Managers should deal with insubordination quickly and fairly.
Common combinations
- gross insubordination
- The report described his behavior as gross insubordination.
- charge someone with insubordination
- The company charged two employees with insubordination.
- dismiss someone for insubordination
- She was dismissed for insubordination last month.
- an act of insubordination
- Talking back to the colonel was an act of insubordination.
Synonyms and how they differ
- disobedience
- Broader and not tied to a hierarchy; a child can show disobedience to a parent, but insubordination is specifically against a superior at work or in the military.
- defiance
- Stronger and more emotional, suggesting open, proud resistance rather than simply failing to follow orders.
- rebelliousness
- Describes a general attitude or personality, while insubordination usually names a specific act or pattern of behavior.
Opposites
Word family
- insubordinate adjective
- Describing someone who refuses to obey orders: an insubordinate soldier.
- subordination noun
- The state of being lower in rank or under someone's authority.
- subordinate noun
- A person who works under someone of higher rank.
Commonly confused: the definition of insubordination or insurrection? the definition of insubordination or insubstantial?
the definition of insubordination vs insurrection
Insurrection means a violent uprising against a government; insubordination is simply refusing to obey a superior and need not involve any group or violence.
the definition of insubordination vs insubstantial
Despite the similar sound, insubstantial means thin or not solid, with no connection to obeying orders.
Practice
The soldier was punished for ______ after he refused to follow his sergeant's orders.
Choose one answer.
'Insubordination' fits because it means refusing to obey a superior. 'Subordination' means being lower in rank, and 'obedience' is the opposite of what happened. 'Insurrection' suggests a violent revolt, which is far too strong here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the definition of insubordination”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.