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 of insensitive

• ruthless
• merciless
• stony
• callous
• abusive

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

This incident adds to a long history of controversies, including founder Chip Wilson's past insensitive remarks, recurring quality issues with sheer yoga pants, false health claims, and a recent PFAS investigation. — Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Even Hauser can’t rescue this culturally insensitive, stereotype-perpetuating nonsense. — Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Frankly, its terribly insensitive to hold a press conference while the man is dying. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2026

This is due to the physiology of the eye, more specifically, the fact that the color sensors on the retina — the cones — are insensitive to faint light. — Joe Rao, Space.com, 11 June 2026

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