1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
sometimes offensive
: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste see usage paragraph at deaf entry 1
tone deafness
noun
Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
From this vantage point, the debate in Washington feels tone-deaf.
—
Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
His tone-deaf leadership shows a complete disregard for the human element and is actively harming both American Airlines and the people who keep it running every day.
—Briauna Brown, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
The rebound of the past 10 years follows a rough period for the league with players embroiled in criminal headlines and the league’s tone-deaf response to Colin Kaepernick’s civil rights protests.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
In January 2023, an exorbitant trip to Dubai sparked shock and outrage, with some claiming the experience was tone-deaf during a rough time within the economy.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
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Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
His tone-deaf leadership shows a complete disregard for the human element and is actively harming both American Airlines and the people who keep it running every day.
—Briauna Brown, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
The rebound of the past 10 years follows a rough period for the league with players embroiled in criminal headlines and the league’s tone-deaf response to Colin Kaepernick’s civil rights protests.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 5 Feb. 2026
In January 2023, an exorbitant trip to Dubai sparked shock and outrage, with some claiming the experience was tone-deaf during a rough time within the economy.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
Cite this Entry
“Tone-deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone-deaf. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tone-deaf
adjective
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness
noun
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