insensitive

adjective

in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv How to pronounce insensitive (audio)
1
a
: lacking feeling or tact
so insensitive as to laugh at someone in pain
b
: not responsive or susceptible
insensitive to the demands of the public
2
: not physically or chemically sensitive
insensitively adverb
insensitiveness noun

Examples of insensitive in a Sentence

He's just a rude, insensitive jerk. It was insensitive of her to say that.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For example, while one team member might feel valued by direct and candid communication, another may interpret the same approach as brusque or insensitive, instead needing more consideration or attention. Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Macri used to see Bergoglio as an ally, but, as Pope, Francis criticized the President’s policies as insensitive to the most vulnerable, and received him in the Vatican only twice, the first time for just twenty minutes. Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025 In common, the two students have weathered racist or culturally insensitive conversations on campus and on Yik Yak. Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025 Shortly after the news broke, his longtime nemesis, 50, wasted no time adding fuel to the fire with a insensitive Instagram post. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insensitive

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insensitive was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Insensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insensitive. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

insensitive

adjective
in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv How to pronounce insensitive (audio)
-ˈsen(t)-stiv
: not sensitive
especially : lacking feeling
insensitively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insensitive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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