insensitive

adjective

in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv How to pronounce insensitive (audio)
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

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 In 2021, six of Dr. Seuss’s books were pulled from shelves due to racist and insensitive imagery, Dr. Seuss Enterprises told the Associated Press. Carly Tagen-Dye, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 The word is a racially insensitive term for the Khoekhoe, an indigenous group in South Africa. Variety, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2024 California Chief federal judge in L.A. steps down over racially insensitive comments about Black court official June 28, 2020 Outside the courtroom, Boman broke into tears. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 Patrik Laine and his agency criticized an insensitive comment about suicide made on a podcast Monday in reference to the Columbus Blue Jackets forward, who is currently receiving care from the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. Stephen Whyno, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024 Alejandro hits the walls of bureaucracy, encounters insensitive and exploitative employers and becomes a victim of the housing crisis — but all in a very funny way. Carole Horst, Variety, 18 Jan. 2024 At the same time, a clunky or insensitive ad can seriously tarnish a brand, such as the infamous 1999 Super Bowl ad for Just for Feet, which was called racist and tone deaf. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2024 John can be moody and insensitive; Jane’s longing for adventure—and need to impress Hihi—can tip into recklessness. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 Two of his chief deputy public defenders filed a declaration alleging the judge made racist and insensitive comments while meeting with them. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insensitive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insensitive was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near insensitive

Cite this Entry

“Insensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insensitive. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insensitive

adjective
in·​sen·​si·​tive (ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv How to pronounce insensitive (audio)
-ˈsen(t)-stiv
: not sensitive
especially : lacking feeling
insensitively adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insensitive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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