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 of insensitive

• ruthless
• merciless
• stony
• callous
• abusive

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

No one wants to be labeled as racist or racially insensitive. — David Aldridge, New York Times, 4 July 2026

But even as democratic governments have become more proficient and more technologically adept at thwarting terrorists, some in our societies have become insensitive, or even callous, about the civilizational consequences of terror and violence. — Anne Neuberger, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026

The insensitive promotion was swiftly canceled, leading to the CEO's dismissal, a public apology, and mandatory history training for 24,000 employees. — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Even Hauser can’t rescue this culturally insensitive, stereotype-perpetuating nonsense. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026

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