insensitive
ihn-SEHN-sih-tihv
Insensitive (adj) means showing little concern or care for other people feelings. Example: “That was an incredibly insensitive joke to make at a funeral.”
adj
1
Showing little concern or care for other people feelings.
"That was an incredibly insensitive joke to make at a funeral."
"He can be insensitive to how his comments land."
2
Not physically responsive to a stimulus.
"The nerve damage left her skin insensitive to touch in that area."
How to use insensitive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot caring about (or not physically feeling) something you would normally expect a reaction to.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
insensitive remark
insensitive to
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more insensitive
- Superlative
- most insensitive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That was an incredibly _____ joke to make at a funeral.
Etymology
Formed from in- ("not") plus sensitive.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for insensitive
See all rhymes for insensitive →Frequently asked questions
What does “insensitive” mean?
The word “insensitive” means showing little concern or care for other people feelings. In plain terms, not caring about (or not physically feeling) something you would normally expect a reaction to.
How do you pronounce “insensitive”?
“Insensitive” is pronounced ihn-SEHN-sih-tihv (/ɪnˈsɛnsɪtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “insensitive” in a sentence?
Here is “insensitive” used in a sentence: “That was an incredibly insensitive joke to make at a funeral.”
What part of speech is “insensitive”?
“Insensitive” is an adjective.
Is “insensitive” a common word?
“Insensitive” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “insensitive” have?
“Insensitive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing little concern or care for other people feelings.
