Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lacking civility or good manners: Describes behavior, speech, or actions that are rude, impolite, or discourteous.
   • Not civilized; barbarous: In a broader or more formal context, can describe something contrary to the norms of a civilized society.

Usage

The word "uncivil" is a formal adjective used to describe a severe lack of politeness or courtesy. It is stronger than "impolite" and often implies a deliberate or offensive rudeness that violates social norms. It can describe a person, their behavior, or their language.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The customer's uncivil remarks to the staff were completely unacceptable.
  • Engaging in uncivil discourse only deepens political divisions.
  • It is considered uncivil to interrupt someone while they are speaking.

Advanced Usage

• "Uncivil discourse": A formal term for communication characterized by personal attacks, insults, and a lack of respect for opposing viewpoints, often used in political or public debate contexts.

  • The debate degenerated into uncivil discourse, with candidates shouting over each other.

• "Uncivil society": A term sometimes used in political science to describe groups or actions that operate outside or against the norms of civil society, often through coercion or violence.

  • The regime was propped up by an uncivil society of paramilitary groups.

Variants and Related Words

• Uncivility (n): (Rare, formal) The state or quality of being uncivil; rudeness.

  • The meeting was marked by an unusual level of uncivility.

• Incivility (n): A more common noun for rude or discourteous behavior.

  • The rise of incivility in online forums is a growing concern.

Synonyms

• Rude: Offensively impolite or ill-mannered.
• Discourteous: Showing a lack of manners or consideration for others.
• Impolite: Not having or showing good manners.
• Ill-mannered: Having bad manners.
• Boorish: Rough and bad-mannered; coarse.

Antonyms

• Civil: Polite and courteous, observing social norms.
• Polite: Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people.
• Courteous: Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.
• Well-mannered: Having or showing good manners; polite.

Adjective

1. lacking civility or good manners
   • want nothing from you but to get away from your uncivil tongue- Willa Cather