insensitive

adjective

in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv How to pronounce insensitive (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The documentary also shows people, especially during media interviews, being very insensitive to Candy’s issues, especially his struggles with obesity, and saying so to his face. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 The Trader Sam’s bar takes its name from the culturally insensitive Jungle Cruise headhunter character that was removed from the Disneyland river boat attraction in 2021. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 10 Oct. 2025 This is just one more example of a government insensitive to the realities of people's health needs. Maria Shriver, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 White House officials blasted Schumer’s comments in an interview with Punchbowl News as insensitive as the shutdown threatens pay for military members and funds for certain government programs. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insensitive

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insensitive was in 1834

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insensitive. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

insensitive

adjective
in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv How to pronounce insensitive (audio)
-ˈsen(t)-stiv
: not sensitive
especially : lacking feeling
insensitively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insensitive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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