tactless

1 of 2

adjective

tact·​less ˈtakt-ləs 

: marked by lack of tact

tactless comments

tactless methods

tactlessly adverb

tactlessness noun

tactlessness

2 of 2

noun

tact·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being tactless

Synonyms of tactless

Adjective

• inappropriate
• indelicate
• careless
• improper
• injudicious
• indiscreet
• stupid
• imprudent
• undiplomatic
• brash
• inadvisable
• unwise

Examples of tactless in a Sentence

Adjective

made a tactless remark about how the woman's dress had that “homemade” look

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Your tactless or tactile uncles? — Taiye Selasi, New Yorker, 31 May 2026

This response rewards the tactless well-wisher. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

Ultimately, the film hammers home that this klutzy, tactless new man in town is first and foremost a voyeur — which is where most of the taboo shattering comes in. — Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 17 May 2025

On the dark side, Mercury in Sagittarius can be overly blunt and tactless in communication. — Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1847, in the meaning defined above