tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef 

1

: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch

2

sometimes offensive : having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste see usage paragraph at deaf entry 1

tone deafness noun

Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stearns, whom owner Steve Cohen decided had invented baseball in Milwaukee, got rid of Buck in a ham-handed and tone-deaf way. — Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026

The decision Kroenke Sports Entertainment made — moving on from Marlowe and color commentator Scott Hastings — is disappointing, if not tone-deaf. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 June 2026

Many Democrats have accused her of rewriting history, arguing the book is unhelpful and, at times, tone-deaf. — Julia Terruso, Time, 11 June 2026

In a tone-deaf move by the Sox marketing department, José Canseco was invited to participate in a home run derby featuring former Sox players July 11 at Rate Field. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tone-deaf

• chef
• clef
• deaf
• ref

Kids Definition

tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef

: not noticing small differences in musical pitch

Medical Definition

tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef 

: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch

tone deafness noun