Uncivil means rude, impolite, or disrespectful in how you treat other people. When someone is uncivil, they might interrupt constantly, call people names, refuse to listen, or speak in a harsh, mocking tone. An uncivil comment at the dinner table might make everyone uncomfortable. An uncivil argument between classmates might involve yelling and insults instead of respectful disagreement.

The word comes from civil, which describes the basic courtesy and respect people show each other in a community. Being civil means treating others with decency even when you disagree. Being uncivil is the opposite: letting anger, contempt, or selfishness override basic manners.

You can have strong opinions and still be civil. You can disagree firmly and still be civil. But when you mock someone's ideas instead of addressing them, or when you shout someone down instead of listening, you've crossed into uncivil behavior. The difference matters because civil disagreement can actually solve problems and bring people together, while uncivil fighting just makes everyone angrier and pushes them further apart.