adj
tactless
TAKT-luhs
Tactless (adj) means lacking sensitivity to other people's feelings, often causing unintended offense. Example: “It was tactless to bring up her divorce at the dinner table.”
adj
1
Lacking sensitivity to other people's feelings, often causing unintended offense.
"It was tactless to bring up her divorce at the dinner table."
How to use tactless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCareless or blunt in a way that hurts or embarrasses people, usually without meaning to.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more tactless
- Superlative
- most tactless
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
It was _____ to bring up her divorce at the dinner table.
Etymology
From "tact" plus "-less."
Synonyms
View more →
untactful
inept
Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “tactless” mean?
The word “tactless” means lacking sensitivity to other people's feelings, often causing unintended offense. In plain terms, careless or blunt in a way that hurts or embarrasses people, usually without meaning to.
How do you pronounce “tactless”?
“Tactless” is pronounced TAKT-luhs (/ˈtæktləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “tactless” in a sentence?
Here is “tactless” used in a sentence: “It was tactless to bring up her divorce at the dinner table.”
What is the opposite of “tactless”?
The opposite of “tactless” — its antonyms — is tactful.
What part of speech is “tactless”?
“Tactless” is an adjective.
