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

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

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