What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
uncourteous
Example
It was uncourteous of him to interrupt the speaker. [uncourteous: adjective]
Example
She showed her uncourteous side by not thanking the host for the dinner. [uncourteous: noun]
impolite
Example
It's impolite to talk with your mouth full. [impolite: adjective]
Example
He was being impolite by not holding the door open for the elderly woman. [impolite: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Impolite is more commonly used than uncourteous in everyday language. Impolite is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while uncourteous is less common and may sound more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between uncourteous and impolite?
While uncourteous may sound more formal or literary, impolite is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.