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

There was a real-time counter onscreen illustrating how much money was being deducted from the total donation during speeches, which led to fewer memorable speeches overall and seemed especially insensitive during moments of emotional or political sincerity. —Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025

Meanwhile, some people have been losing their jobs due to their insensitive remarks about Kirk, who was a father of two and a husband. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 11 Sep. 2025

The Carolina Panthers have fired an employee in the team’s communications department due to an insensitive social media post about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, a source familiar with the team’s decision said Thursday. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Sep. 2025

If these structural concerns are not remedied at the federal level, then the president’s comments expressing grave concern about violence in Chicago will continue to feel dangerous, insensitive and deeply disingenuous. —Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 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