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

Critics argue the new allowance is not only excessive but also insensitive at a time when most people are grappling with soaring living costs and taxes and rising unemployment. —CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025

However, if a storm is so deadly or costly that reusing its name would be inappropriate or insensitive, the name is retired permanently and replaced with a new one starting with the same letter. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

As controversy swirls around American Eagle ads featuring actor Sydney Sweeney for what some say is culturally insensitive messaging, a campaign for a different famous apparel brand is also grabbing attention. —Michelle Garcia, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2025

People called the scene tone-deaf, callous and insensitive. —Ani Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 1 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