uncourteous
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking politeness or good manners: "uncourteous" describes a person, action, or behaviour that is not courteous; it means rude, impolite, or discourteous. This word is a synonym of "discourteous" and is used to indicate a failure to show respect or consideration for others.
Usage Examples
- (His rude comment was impolite and disrespectful.)
- (The waiter was discourteous and failed to show good manners.)
- (His lack of politeness was considered rude.)
Advanced Usage
"uncourteous to a fault": excessively or deliberately rude.
- The politician was uncourteous to a fault, often insulting opponents publicly. (He was deliberately and excessively impolite.)
"uncourteous in manner": displaying a lack of courtesy in one's demeanour.
- His uncourteous in manner made him unpopular among his peers. (His rude way of acting was off-putting.)
Variants and Related Words
Uncourteously (adverb): in an uncourteous manner.
- He spoke uncourteously to the staff, barking orders without thanks. (He spoke rudely and without politeness.)
Uncourteousness (noun): the quality or state of being uncourteous.
- The uncourteousness of the driver was evident when he honked angrily. (His rudeness was clear.)
Synonyms
- Discourteous: showing a lack of courtesy; rude.
- Impolite: not having or showing good manners.
- Rude: offensively impolite or bad-mannered.
- Ill-mannered: behaving in a way that is not polite.
Antonyms
- Courteous: polite, respectful, and considerate.
- Polite: having or showing behaviour that is respectful and considerate.
- Gracious: courteous, kind, and pleasant.
Related Idioms
- "to be uncourteous as a bear": (rare) to be extremely rude or gruff.
- The old man was uncourteous as a bear, snapping at anyone who spoke. (He was very rude and irritable.)
Note: "uncourteous" is less common than "discourteous" but carries the same meaning. It is used primarily in formal or literary contexts to emphasize a lack of courtesy.