PsychologyAugust 9, 2026

insubordination

in-suh-bor-di-NAY-shun

Definition

The act of willfully disobeying the lawful commands or established authority of a superior or employer.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'subordinare' (to subordinate), it entered English through the French 'insubordination', meaning a refusal to acknowledge the rank or authority of another.

In the news

In the context of simultaneous service and employment law, insubordination is cited as a valid grounds for termination when an employee refuses to comply with directives regarding outside work activities.

Conflict of interest – Simultaneous service

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Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly

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