disobedience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disobedience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of refusing to obey rules, laws, or authority. Example: "The student's disobedience to the school's rules resulted in disciplinary action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If it's the laws that are unjust, or the actions of authority figures or police, it makes sense to address them with civil disobedience – declining to abide within an unfair system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anti-cuts activists are to launch a campaign of "mass civil disobedience" targeting the homes of prominent people as part of a campaign against the government's plans for a "bedroom tax".

The Guardian

Greenpeace describes it as "one of the biggest environmental battles in our nation's history" and is pushing a campaign of peaceful civil disobedience.

The Guardian

Civil disobedience, in that case, means declining to abide within that system of thought.

The Guardian - Opinion

Relations with Beijing The civil disobedience campaign is about more than open elections – it's about the future of the city's relationship with Beijing.

The Guardian

It includes civil disobedience, employed by protest movements ranging from the suffragettes to tax justice campaigners.

The Guardian - Opinion

UK Uncut has said it will launch a campaign of "mass civil disobedience" targeting the homes of prominent people as part of a campaign against the government's plans for a bedroom tax.

The Guardian

It has been strongly opposed for years by a coalition of environmental groups, including some involved in nonviolent civil disobedience who have been monitored by federal law enforcement agencies.

The Guardian

Environmental activists affiliated with the group were committed to peaceful civil disobedience that can involve minor infractions of law, such as trespass.

The Guardian

There have been protests across the country and now it's time to hit the streets again and take civil disobedience so we can't be ignored.

The Guardian

Expressing sympathy with the protesters, during sentencing Snow said: "Civil disobedience has a long and entirely peaceful history in this country.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical or moral stances, use "disobedience" to highlight the deliberate choice to act against perceived unjust laws or norms.

Common error

Avoid using "disobedience" when you actually mean a lack of "discipline". "Disobedience" implies a conscious choice to defy, while a lack of "discipline" suggests an inability to follow rules due to other factors.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disobedience" is as a noun. It typically refers to the act or state of refusing to obey. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a usable term in written English. For example, "His disobedience was noted by the teacher."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disobedience" functions as a noun denoting the refusal to obey. Ludwig AI indicates its validity in English, with frequent use across News & Media and Formal contexts. Related terms include "noncompliance" and "insubordination". When employing "disobedience" in writing, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, particularly when distinguishing it from related concepts like lack of discipline. This guide assists in understanding its proper use and implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-compliance

Focuses on the failure to adhere to rules or regulations.

insubordination

Highlights the act of defying authority, particularly in a hierarchical setting.

defiance

Emphasizes a bold resistance to authority or opposition.

rebellion

Suggests a more active and organized resistance against established power.

infraction

Indicates a violation or breach of a rule or law.

transgression

Implies crossing a boundary or limit, often with moral or ethical implications.

breach of protocol

Specifically refers to failing to follow established procedures or customs.

failure to comply

Directly states the lack of adherence to a requirement or directive.

violation

Highlights the act of breaking a rule or law.

contumacy

Implies stubborn resistance to authority, often in a legal context.

FAQs

How to use "disobedience" in a sentence?

You can use "disobedience" to describe a refusal to obey rules, laws, or authority, such as, "The student's repeated disobedience led to suspension."

What's the difference between "disobedience" and "defiance"?

"Disobedience" generally refers to the act of not following rules, while "defiance" suggests a more open and resistant challenge to authority.

What are some synonyms for "disobedience"?

Synonyms for "disobedience" include "noncompliance", "insubordination", and "rebellion", each carrying slightly different connotations.

When is civil "disobedience" justified?

Civil "disobedience" is often considered justified when laws are perceived as unjust, and non-violent resistance is used to advocate for change.