What does impudent mean?
Impudent describes someone who is rudely bold, disrespectful, or presumptuous, especially toward a person or situation that calls for restraint. The word commonly appears in comments about behavior that oversteps a social boundary: an impudent question, an impudent remark, or an impudent child who refuses to show respect. It is more formal and more strongly disapproving than "cheeky," although both words can describe playful familiarity depending on context. In older or literary usage, impudent can also mean shameless, immodest, or lacking restraint. Its history is memorable because the Latin word impudens literally conveyed the idea of being "without shame," combining a negative prefix with pudere, "to be ashamed." Today, the term remains useful when describing conduct that is not merely impolite but notably overconfident, familiar, or offensive.
adjectiveRude and disrespectful, especially in a way that shows unwarranted familiarity or presumption. It can also mean shameless or immodest in older or literary use.
- Rude and disrespectful, especially in a way that shows unwarranted familiarity or presumption.
- Shameless or immodest, now mainly archaic or literary.
"He was impudent enough to interrupt the speaker with a question of his own."
"The impudent child demanded another ice cream immediately after finishing the first."
"Her impudent remarks about the chairman's appearance made the room fall silent."
Impudent literally means "without shame": its Latin root combines a negative prefix with the word for being ashamed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of impudent
Impudent entered English in the early 16th century from French impudent and Latin impudens. The Latin formation combines in-, meaning "not," with pudere, meaning "to be ashamed," giving the word an original sense of shamelessness or lack of modesty. Over time, its dominant English meaning developed toward rudeness, presumption, and deliberate disrespect.
Related word forms
How impudent is actually used
The word is formal and generally carries a note of disapproval. It is often stronger and more censorious than "cheeky," which can sometimes be used affectionately.
Easily confused with impudent
Imprudent means acting without enough thought or caution, whereas impudent means being rude or disrespectful.