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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Critics claimed the clip was insensitive and appeared to have been filmed near the Pont de l’Alma tunnel, where Prince Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, died at age 36 in 1997. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025 The case centered on allegations that O’Brien had bullied colleagues and made racially insensitive remarks. State House News Service, Boston Herald, 21 Oct. 2025 Many charts showing enormous buildup of gold used by central banks as reserves are supporting the notion that price-insensitive buyers will keep the parabolic rally alive. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2025 Florida teachers are facing investigations for social media posts deemed insensitive after Charlie Kirk’s death — scrutiny that the state’s teachers union says targets even tangential or indirect comments. Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insensitive

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insensitive was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Insensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insensitive. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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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