adj

indelicate

Indelicate (adj) means lacking tact or good taste; improper or embarrassing to mention. Example: “It felt indelicate to ask about her salary at the dinner table.”

adj

Lacking tact or good taste; improper or embarrassing to mention.

"It felt indelicate to ask about her salary at the dinner table."

"He made an indelicate joke that made everyone uncomfortable."

How to use indelicate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCrude, tactless, or awkwardly blunt about a sensitive subject.

Common pairings

an indelicate remark indelicate question indelicate manner

Word forms

more indelicate comparative, most indelicate superlative

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It felt _____ to ask about her salary at the dinner table.

Etymology

From in- ("not") + delicate, in the sense of "refined, tactful."

Synonyms

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indecorous

Related words

inappropriate indecorous unbecoming

Rhymes for indelicate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “indelicate” mean?

The word “indelicate” means lacking tact or good taste; improper or embarrassing to mention. In plain terms, crude, tactless, or awkwardly blunt about a sensitive subject.

How do you use “indelicate” in a sentence?

Here is “indelicate” used in a sentence: “It felt indelicate to ask about her salary at the dinner table.”

What part of speech is “indelicate”?

“Indelicate” is an adjective.

What is the meaning of indelicate?

"indelicate" (adj) means lacking tact or good taste; improper or embarrassing to mention.

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