tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef 

1

: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch

2

: having or showing an obtuse insensitivity or lack of perception particularly in matters of public sentiment, opinion, or taste

The White House long ago concluded that she is aloof and politically tone-deaf …

—Michael Duffy

At the time, I wondered how such an intelligent man could be so tone-deaf to the harsh realities facing the nation …

—Peniel E. Joseph

tone deafness noun

Examples of tone-deaf in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, Heineken faced backlash for a tone-deaf ad that seemed to imply ‘lighter is better,’ while H&M drew outrage for featuring a Black child in a hoodie labeled ‘Coolest Monkey in the Jungle. —Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025

Ramona Singer is being accused of making tone-deaf comments about the devastating fires ravaging Los Angeles. —Emily Trainham, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2025

Though Racquel told them all about her good memories of this beach, Ubah is already pitching another tone-deaf fit. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025

The new event host is Comedy Central comedian Nikki Glaser, who has nowhere to go but up after last year’s disastrously tone-deaf Jo Koy. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef

: not noticing small differences in musical pitch

Medical Definition

tone-deaf

adjective

ˈtōn-ˌdef 

: relatively insensitive to differences in musical pitch

tone deafness noun