lack of deference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lack of deference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone does not show respect or consideration towards another person or authority. Example: "His lack of deference towards his supervisor was evident during the meeting, as he openly challenged her decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The patrician in Solzhenitsyn hated this lack of deference in the West.

The Economist

"Scalia's cheerful lack of deference rubbed his senior colleague the wrong way.

The New Yorker

One of the chief marital shocks for Charles was Diana's lack of deference.

The New Yorker

Is the civil service ready for this level of lack of deference?

The Guardian

Mr. Dennett understands, too, that iconoclasm, with its lack of deference, can also give offense.

The New York Times - Arts

Such a partnership will not be easy to achieve, given the political differences and the lack of deference.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Where George saw the dissent and protest of the 1960s as legitimate responses to real social and political problems, Mitt saw only inexplicable disorder and lack of proper deference toward authority.

The New York Times - Books

One of them said that, by intervening, his brother-in-law had been very disrespectful; he the man telling me the story thought the very act of intervention showed a lack of appropriate deference.

The New Yorker

In uttering these words, President Bush demonstrated his stunning lack of understanding and deference to the vital system of checks and balances set up by our country's founders.

Huffington Post

Hospital nurses in this study seemed to suffer from a hierarchical management structure and a lack of organisational authority, where deference to the doctor was expected.

BMC Nursing

After so many years of getting W. to do so much of what he wanted, by giving the insecure president the illusion of deference and a lack of personal ambition, it must have been infuriating to Cheney to have W. turn a deaf ear.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lack of deference", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Lack of deference" can range from mild impoliteness to outright insubordination, so choose words that accurately reflect the degree of disrespect.

Common error

Avoid using "lack of deference" when a simpler term like "disagreement" or "difference of opinion" is more appropriate. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted or overly critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lack of deference" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the absence of respectful behavior or submission to authority, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lack of deference" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the absence of respect or submission, often towards authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "disrespect" and "insubordination" exist, "lack of deference" offers a nuanced way to express disapproval without necessarily implying outright rudeness. Remember to consider the specific context and avoid overstating the severity when using this phrase. Overall, "lack of deference" is a valuable tool for expressing nuanced criticism in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrespect

This term directly implies a failure to show due respect.

insubordination

Indicates a refusal to obey orders or recognize authority.

irreverence

Implies a lack of seriousness and respect, often in a religious or solemn context.

impertinence

Suggests rudeness and a lack of respect, especially towards a superior.

rudeness

Focuses on impolite behavior and a failure to show courtesy.

discourtesy

Highlights a lack of politeness and considerate behavior.

noncompliance

Emphasizes a failure to follow rules or expectations.

defiance

Indicates open resistance to authority or opposition to expectations.

disobedience

Focuses on failing to follow direct commands or instructions.

cheekiness

Suggests playful or impudent behavior that lacks proper respect.

FAQs

How can I use "lack of deference" in a sentence?

You can use "lack of deference" to describe someone's behavior towards authority, for example: "His "lack of deference" towards the judge was apparent."

What are some synonyms for "lack of deference"?

Alternatives include "disrespect", "insubordination", or "irreverence", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "lack of deference" or "disrespect"?

The choice depends on the context. "Lack of deference" is more formal and can describe a broader range of behaviors, while "disrespect" is more direct and implies a more intentional show of disregard.

What is the difference between "lack of deference" and "lack of respect"?

"Lack of deference" often refers specifically to a failure to show respect towards authority or social hierarchy, while "lack of respect" can apply more broadly to any form of disregard for another person or their feelings.