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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishCrude, tactless, or awkwardly blunt about a sensitive subject.
Common pairings
an indelicate remark
indelicate question
indelicate manner
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more indelicate
- Superlative
- most indelicate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It felt _____ to ask about her salary at the dinner table.
Etymology
From in- ("not") + delicate, in the sense of "refined, tactful."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for indelicate
See all rhymes for indelicate →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.
