in·sub·or·di·nate (ĭn'sə-bôr'dn-ĭt) adj. Not submissive to authority: has a history of insubordinate behavior. in'sub·or'di·nate n., in'sub·or'di·nate·ly adv., in'sub·or'di·na'tion n.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean in opposition to and usually in defiance of established authority. Insubordinate implies failure or refusal to recognize or submit to the authority of a superior: was fired for being insubordinate. Rebellious implies open defiance of authority or resistance to control: rebellious students demonstrating on campus. Mutinous pertains to revolt against constituted authority, especially that of a naval or military command: mutinous sailors defying the captain. Factious implies divisiveness, dissension, or disunity within a group or an organization: "The army has been embroiled in a standoff battle against a [hornets'] nest of factious groups" (Time). Seditious applies mainly to the treasonous stirring up of resistance against a government: rebels distributing seditious pamphlets.