1
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
2
sometimes offensive
: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste see usage paragraph at deaf entry 1
tone deafness
noun
Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fulmer also delivers some comedic moments as Alycia, whose fast-talking frankness can be quite funny, albeit tone-deaf at times.
—
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
There were people who’d never touched an instrument or were (by definition) tone-deaf, and a couple who were professional musicians.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2026
From this vantage point, the debate in Washington feels tone-deaf.
—Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
His tone-deaf leadership shows a complete disregard for the human element and is actively harming both American Airlines and the people who keep it running every day.
—Briauna Brown, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
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Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
There were people who’d never touched an instrument or were (by definition) tone-deaf, and a couple who were professional musicians.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2026
From this vantage point, the debate in Washington feels tone-deaf.
—Ken Toltz, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
His tone-deaf leadership shows a complete disregard for the human element and is actively harming both American Airlines and the people who keep it running every day.
—Briauna Brown, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for tone-deaf
Cite this Entry
“Tone-deaf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tone-deaf. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tone-deaf
adjective
: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch
tone deafness
noun
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