insensitive
adjective
in·sen·si·tive
(ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv 
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
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
For example, while one team member might feel valued by direct and candid communication, another may interpret the same approach as brusque or insensitive, instead needing more consideration or attention.
—
Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Macri used to see Bergoglio as an ally, but, as Pope, Francis criticized the President’s policies as insensitive to the most vulnerable, and received him in the Vatican only twice, the first time for just twenty minutes.
—Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
In common, the two students have weathered racist or culturally insensitive conversations on campus and on Yik Yak.
—Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
Shortly after the news broke, his longtime nemesis, 50, wasted no time adding fuel to the fire with a insensitive Instagram post.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insensitive
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.
Aparna Rae, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Macri used to see Bergoglio as an ally, but, as Pope, Francis criticized the President’s policies as insensitive to the most vulnerable, and received him in the Vatican only twice, the first time for just twenty minutes.
—Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
In common, the two students have weathered racist or culturally insensitive conversations on campus and on Yik Yak.
—Stephen Humphries, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
Shortly after the news broke, his longtime nemesis, 50, wasted no time adding fuel to the fire with a insensitive Instagram post.
—Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for insensitive
Cite this Entry
“Insensitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insensitive. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
insensitive
adjective
in·sen·si·tive
(ˈ)in-ˈsen(t)-sət-iv
-ˈsen(t)-stiv
: not sensitive
especially
: lacking feeling
insensitively
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share