1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste
The White House long ago concluded that she is aloof and politically tone-deaf …—
Michael Duffy
Michael DuffyAt the time, I wondered how such an intelligent man could be so tone-deaf to the harsh realities facing the nation …—Peniel E. Joseph
Peniel E. Joseph
tone deafness
noun
Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Gallagher criticized the new Assembly committees created to focus on housing, child care, food assistance for those in need and reviewing the state’s push for low-carbon and renewable alternatives, arguing that discussing the issues rather than taking quick action was tone-deaf.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
His comments went viral, drawing sharp criticism online from people who saw the remarks as tone-deaf and out of touch.
—Brian Cattell, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Perry bore a significant amount of criticism for this as many questioned the environmental impact of the flight, while others described it as tone-deaf.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Many commentators criticized the flight as a tone-deaf stunt or a rich person's flex.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
His comments went viral, drawing sharp criticism online from people who saw the remarks as tone-deaf and out of touch.
—Brian Cattell, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
Perry bore a significant amount of criticism for this as many questioned the environmental impact of the flight, while others described it as tone-deaf.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Many commentators criticized the flight as a tone-deaf stunt or a rich person's flex.
—ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025
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 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tone-deaf
adjective
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share