impudent

[im-pyuh-duhnt]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by impertinence or effrontery.

   The student was kept late for impudent behavior.

   Synonyms: brazen, fresh, presumptuous, pert, saucy, rude, insulting
   Antonyms: courteous

2. Obsolete.,  shameless or brazenly immodest.

impudent

/ ˈɪmpjʊdənt /

adjective

1. mischievous, impertinent, or disrespectful

2. an obsolete word for immodest

Other Word Forms

• impudently adverb
• impudentness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impudent¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Latin impudent- (stem of impudēns ) “shameless,” equivalent to im- im- ² + pud- (base of pudēre “to feel shame”; pudendum ) + -ent- -ent

Synonym Study

See impertinent.

Example Sentences

Whether he meant it or not, it was a spectacular and impudent piece of skill.

From BBC

Pope pushed on against the second new ball, the highlight being an impudent flick over fine leg for six off Victor Nyauchi.

From BBC

He is impudent in court, which probably did him no favors.

From Salon

On the other hand, there is all this chatter about Donald Trump being given a "creative punishment" by Judge Merchan for his impudent behavior against the court and in the hush-money election interference case.

From Salon

Judge Juan Merchan has mostly been successful in trying to discipline the impudent former president, at one point commanding him to sit down in court like he was a disobedient dog.

From Salon

Related Words

• brazen 
• cheeky