insensitive

adjective

in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 

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

insensitivity

(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈti-və-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• ruthless
• merciless
• callous
• abusive
• hard

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

If these structural concerns are not remedied at the federal level, then the president’s comments expressing grave concern about violence in Chicago will continue to feel dangerous, insensitive and deeply disingenuous. —Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025

The star’s reaction to the children’s film was condemned as insensitive and said to be rooted in homophobia. —Mikelle Street, Them., 2 Sep. 2025

Complaints included that the fantasy story’s depiction of a slavery system not based on skin color was racially insensitive and amounted to cultural appropriation. —Kevin Dickinson, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025

Dynamic microphones are notoriously insensitive and often require an audio interface with a preamp to be fully cranked up. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for insensitive

• hypersensitive
• photosensitive
• radiosensitive
• sensitive

Kids Definition

insensitive

adjective

in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv 

-ˈsen(t)-stiv

: not sensitive

especially : lacking feeling

insensitively adverb

insensitivity

(ˌ)in-ˌsen(t)-sə-ˈtiv-ət-ē 

noun