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

Screenshots of an account appearing to belong to Kirk Thomson, who is running for Area 2, were posted to Reddit and show the use of the insensitive remarks. — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Retailers and top fashion brands have issued a string of apologies over the years for products criticized as being racially insensitive. — Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Besides being undignified, such honesty does not save one from the rude and insensitive. — Judith Martin, Mercury News, 3 Sep. 2026

As documented in a pair of articles published earlier this month in the daily newspaper Der Standard, the controversy is wrapped up in the insensitive way in which the show is being marketed. — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 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