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 Harrison also questioned whether the photos would be considered racially insensitive in 2018 when they were taken. Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 18 Sep. 2024 Parents and educators can also support these traits by modeling respectful communication, reinforcing the value of collaboration, and teaching children that self-confidence doesn’t mean being insensitive to others’ opinions or feelings. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 8 Oct. 2024 The gesture seemed to go over well in the room but was widely panned as insensitive to those who were suffering. Chris Megerian and Colleen Long, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2024 The Democratic vice presidential candidate also championed the redesign of the Minnesota flag to get rid of a design considered insensitive to Indigenous communities. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insensitive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insensitive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insensitive was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near insensitive

Cite this Entry

“Insensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insensitive. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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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