Uncivility vs. Incivility — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Sumaia Saeed — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Uncivility" is the incorrect spelling of "incivility," which refers to rude or unsociable behavior.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Uncivility or Incivility
How to spell Incivility?
Uncivility
Incorrect Spelling
Incivility
Correct Spelling
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Recall that "civility" is the root word; just add "in-" to mean its opposite, making it "incivility."
"Incivility" starts with "in-", a common prefix in English meaning 'not' or 'without', similar to 'inconvenient'.
Remember that "incivility" has a negative prefix "in-" which typically negates the word it precedes.
Associate "incivility" with "inability" — both begin with "in-" and describe a lack of something.
Memorize the phrase "in civility," which emphasizes the absence of civil behavior.
ADVERTISEMENT
How Do You Spell Incivility Correctly?
Incorrect: Their discussion quickly descended into a display of uncivility.
Correct: Their discussion quickly descended into a display of incivility.
Incorrect: His constant uncivility during meetings is causing tension among the team.
Correct: His constant incivility during meetings is causing tension among the team.
Incorrect: I was taken aback by her uncivility at the dinner party.
Correct: I was taken aback by her incivility at the dinner party.
Incorrect: The manager warned him about his repeated uncivility towards coworkers.
Correct: The manager warned him about his repeated incivility towards coworkers.
Incorrect: It’s important to address uncivility in the workplace to maintain a positive environment.
Correct: It’s important to address incivility in the workplace to maintain a positive environment.
Incivility Definitions
Rudeness or impoliteness in behavior or speech.
His incivility at the meeting was noted by all attendees.
Lack of civility; a rude or discourteous act.
Incivility in debates often derails the original discussion topic.
Acts or words that disrupt the social harmony or public peace.
The political rally was marked by moments of incivility from protestors.
The quality of being uncivil or showing disregard for societal norms of respect.
The customer's incivility made the young cashier upset.
Behavior that is impolite and offensive in a social setting.
Incivility in online forums can discourage participation.
Incivility is a general term for social behaviour lacking in civility or good manners, on a scale from rudeness or lack of respect for elders, to vandalism and hooliganism, through public drunkenness and threatening behaviour. The word "incivility" is derived from the Latin incivilis, meaning "not of a citizen".The distinction between plain rudeness, and perceived incivility as threat, will depend on some notion of civility as structural to society; incivility as anything more ominous than bad manners is therefore dependent on appeal to notions like its antagonism to the complex concepts of civic virtue or civil society.
The quality or condition of being uncivil.
An uncivil or discourteous act.
(uncountable) The state of being uncivil; lack of courtesy; rudeness in manner.
(countable) Any act of rudeness or ill-breeding.
(uncountable) Lack of civilization; a state of rudeness or barbarism.
The quality or state of being uncivil; lack of courtesy; rudeness of manner; impoliteness.
Any act of rudeness or ill breeding.
Uncomely jests, loud talking and jeering, which, in civil account, are called indecencies and incivilities.
Lack of civilization; a state of rudeness or barbarism.
Deliberate discourtesy
Incivility Meaning in a Sentence
He apologized for his moment of incivility.
Incivility often escalates conflicts instead of resolving them.
They conducted a workshop to address incivility among students.
Incivility in the workplace can lead to a toxic environment.
The online community has strict rules against incivility.
She was shocked by the incivility of the store clerk.
The debate turned sour due to unexpected incivility.
Incivility is not tolerated in professional sports.
She documented instances of incivility on public transport.
Teachers often deal with incivility in classrooms.
Witnessing incivility can discourage people from participating in discussions.
Educators emphasize the importance of avoiding incivility.
The moderator intervened to curb the incivility during the debate.
The customer service team received training on handling incivility.
Public figures should be models of civility, not incivility.
Incivility at social events can be embarrassing.
Addressing incivility is crucial for maintaining team harmony.
Incivility can damage one's reputation and relationships.
Incivility in political discussions can alienate people.
The council member's incivility was criticized in the media.
They reviewed the code of conduct to prevent incivility.
Incivility can lead to disciplinary actions in many organizations.
Avoiding incivility is key to effective communication.
Apologizing for one’s incivility can help mend fences.
Awareness programs are effective in reducing incivility.
Incivility Idioms & Phrases
Cut through incivility
Addressing or overcoming rudeness to restore harmony.
The facilitator had to cut through incivility to progress the workshop.
Drowning in incivility
Being overwhelmed by widespread rudeness.
The online discussion was drowning in incivility, with respectful comments lost amidst insults.
Fan the flames of incivility
To exacerbate or escalate rude behavior.
His provocative remarks only fanned the flames of incivility.
Stamp out incivility
To eliminate rude behavior decisively.
The community initiative aimed to stamp out incivility in online forums.
Brewing incivility
When tension and rudeness are starting to become obvious.
There was brewing incivility at the board meeting as disagreements escalated.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide incivility into syllables?
Incivility is divided into syllables as in-ci-vil-i-ty.
Why is it called incivility?
It is called "incivility" because it denotes behavior that lacks civility or courtesy, with "in-" suggesting negation.
What is a stressed syllable in incivility?
The stressed syllable in "incivility" is the third syllable: -vil-.
What is the root word of incivility?
The root word of "incivility" is "civility."
How is incivility used in a sentence?
Incivility is used as a noun to describe rude or unsociable behavior.
How many syllables are in incivility?
There are five syllables in "incivility."
What is another term for incivility?
Another term for "incivility" is rudeness.
What is the singular form of incivility?
The singular form is "incivility."
What is the plural form of incivility?
The plural form is "incivilities."
Is incivility a noun or adjective?
Incivility is a noun.
Is incivility an adverb?
No, incivility is not an adverb.
What is the opposite of incivility?
The opposite of incivility is civility.
Is the incivility term a metaphor?
While "incivility" itself is not a metaphor, it can be used metaphorically to describe any situation or behavior lacking courtesy.
Is the word incivility imperative?
No, incivility is not used in the imperative mood as it is a noun.
Is the word “incivility” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
In sentences, "incivility" can be used as a direct object, e.g., "She deplored the incivility."
What is the verb form of incivility?
Incivility does not have a verb form; it is a noun.
What is the pronunciation of incivility?
Incivility is pronounced as /ˌɪnsɪˈvɪlɪti/.
Is incivility a vowel or consonant?
The word "incivility" starts with the vowel 'i'.
Is incivility a countable noun?
Yes, incivility is a countable noun (e.g., many instances of incivilities).
Is the word incivility a Gerund?
No, incivility is a noun, not a gerund.
Which vowel is used before incivility?
Typically, the vowel "i" as in "an incivility" is used when a vowel sound follows.
Which preposition is used with incivility?
Prepositions like "of" or "in" can be used with "incivility," e.g., "incivility in dialogue."
Is incivility an abstract noun?
Yes, incivility is an abstract noun as it refers to a concept or quality.
Is incivility a negative or positive word?
Incivility is a negative word, associated with undesirable behavior.
Is incivility a collective noun?
No, incivility is not a collective noun.
Which conjunction is used with incivility?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with "incivility," e.g., "rudeness and incivility."
Which article is used with incivility?
The indefinite article "an" is commonly used with "incivility," e.g., "an incivility."
What part of speech is incivility?
Incivility is a noun.
Which determiner is used with incivility?
Determiners like "the" or "some" can be used with "incivility," depending on the context.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Made vs. MakedNext Comparison
Kam vs. RamAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Sumaia Saeed