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

Rachel Zegler is hardly white as snow and, worse, she’s been one of the most notoriously tone-deaf Hollywood stars during her press tour for the film. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

This is yet another tone-deaf slap in the face from our out-of-touch public utilities. —Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 Nov. 2024

Some critics say the process leading up to the vote has lacked transparency and, more directly, that the regulator is tone-deaf to the plight of motorists. —Rob Nikolewski, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024

Adult human beings—even the callous, tone-deaf, emotionally immature ones—demonstrate an understanding of death that is remarkable in its sophistication. —Kathryn Schulz, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

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