noun

audacity

aw-DAS-ih-tee/ɔːˈdæsəti/

Boldness that disregards risk or the possibility of offending others.

The diner has the audacity to bite someone else's sandwich.

A brazen diner confidently reaches across the table and takes a bite from another diner's sandwich while its owner still holds the plate, visibly outraged.

Etymology

From the quality of being bold or daring, audacity developed a sharper sense of presumptuous impudence. The shift turns courage into boldness that disregards restraint or proper behavior.

In context

Motivation2Study10:32

good enough, fear of tripping up on a word, fear of what you look like. We know that fear drives most of us and I'm here to tell you that audacity is what you need

4 Tips To IMPROVE Your Public Speaking - How to CAPTIVATE an Audience

More examples

Her audacity leads her to challenge the company's powerful founder.
He has the audacity to demand a refund after breaking the lamp.
The rescue plan succeeds through a mix of audacity and skill.

Forms

audacity

audacious adjective — Willing to take risks or offend.

Similar words

boldness: Emphasizes confidence and daring without necessarily suggesting offense.
nerve: Often expresses shocked disapproval of someone's shameless confidence.
impudence: Focuses on rude disrespect rather than willingness to risk danger.