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

But the post has been condemned both inside Colombia and abroad as insensitive. —Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 8 June 2026

Last year, Love Island USA faced a similar situation when a contestant went on a podcast and used racially insensitive language. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 4 June 2026

My grown kids still act like kids — selfish and insensitive. —Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026

My parents acknowledged that selling without a collective goodbye had been insensitive. —Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 9 May 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