Insubordination

ˌɪn.səˌbɔː.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən

Meaning & Definition

noun

the act of defying authority or refusing to obey orders.

The employee was fired for insubordination after repeatedly ignoring his manager's instructions.

a refusal to submit to authority, especially in a workplace or military setting.

Insubordination can lead to disciplinary action in the workplace.

a rebellious attitude towards authority figures.

The teacher dealt harshly with any signs of insubordination from her students.

the failure to follow established rules or regulations.

The soldier's insubordination during the drill resulted in a reprimand.

open disobedience to a superior's commands.

The captain noted the insubordination of the crew during the crisis.

From Latin insubordinatio, from in- 'not' + subordinatio 'subordination'.

rank and file

The ordinary members of an organization, especially the military, who are not officers.

follow orders

To obey instructions given by someone in authority.

breaking rank

To stop following the rules or orders agreed upon, often in a group context.

authority

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

obedience

The act of following rules or orders.

submission

The action of yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another.

talking back

He got in trouble for talking back to the teacher.

sassing

She was sassing her parents, which they didn't appreciate.