indelicate

adjective

in·​del·​i·​cate (ˌ)in-ˈde-li-kət 

: not delicate:

a(1)

: lacking in or offending against propriety : improper

(2)

: verging on the indecent : coarse

b

: marked by a lack of feeling for the sensibilities of others : tactless

indelicately adverb

indelicateness noun

Synonyms

• brash
• graceless
• ill-advised
• imprudent
• inadvisable
• indiscreet
• injudicious
• tactless
• undiplomatic
• unwise

Choose the Right Synonym for indelicate

indecorous, improper, unseemly, unbecoming, indelicate mean not conforming to what is accepted as right, fitting, or in good taste.

indecorous suggests a violation of accepted standards of good manners.

indecorous behavior

improper applies to a broader range of transgressions of rules not only of social behavior but of ethical practice or logical procedure or prescribed method.

improper use of campaign contributions

unseemly adds a suggestion of special inappropriateness to a situation or an offensiveness to good taste.

remarried with unseemly haste

unbecoming suggests behavior or language that does not suit one's character or status.

conduct unbecoming to an officer

indelicate implies a lack of modesty or of tact or of refined perception of feeling.

indelicate expressions for bodily functions

Examples of indelicate in a Sentence

Many consider it indelicate to talk about such things in mixed company.

the company considered his indelicate handling of such a personal matter to be unprofessional

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement The president-elect’s style — brash, indelicate and pugilistic — is distilled in his son. —Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 25 Nov. 2024

After Shkreli propositioned Duca via Twitter direct message, the Teen Vogue columnist responded with this, albeit indelicate, rejection. —Issie Lapowsky, WIRED, 4 Aug. 2017

The pair also sparred on a more indelicate campaign trail moment. —Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 20 Oct. 2024

Clutch effort is Herculean, and shifting—like the recoil of a big-bore automatic handgun—is indelicate but infinitely satisfying. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

indelicate

adjective

in·​del·​i·​cate (ˈ)in-ˈdel-i-kət 

: having or showing bad manners or taste : immodest, coarse

indelicately adverb

indelicateness noun