Words / C1

ins-uh-bord-i-NAYSHUN/ˌɪnsəˌbɔːdɪˈneɪʃn/

Insubordination is refusal to obey a person in authority, especially at work: gross insubordination, a charge of insubordination. Defiance is the close twin; publishing before the embargo is still a breach, however bold the tone.

Meaning

Refusal to obey orders from someone in authority.

Examples

• “Insubordination at the door is a safeguarding log, not “robust invigilation”.”
• “Publishing before the embargo is insubordination, not “bold comms”.”
• “Defiance is the close twin. Disobedience is everyday. Boldness is tone. A timestamp is the rule. Wait for the lift; then publish.”

Good to know

Refusal to obey workplace authority. Close: defiance. Bold tone ≠ a lifted embargo.

Near in meaning

defiance, disobedience

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