tactfulness

[ takt-fuhl-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or skill of handling difficult or delicate situations without giving offense:

   Her promotion was based on her influence and tactfulness in dealing with outside vendors, managers, and subordinates.

   Showing what some would consider a certain lack of tactfulness, he declared that the emperor's pious works were of no value whatsoever.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tactfulness¹

tactful ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

With much of his father's haughtiness of manner he combined a tactfulness and self-control which his father never exhibited.

From Project Gutenberg

Obviously the young man was improving in tactfulness under the stimulus of circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

However gifted one may be, he cannot win conspicuous laurels in any calling or avocation, if he be deficient in tactfulness.

From Project Gutenberg

Logical thought, power of appeal and tactfulness never fail to command attention and respect.

From Project Gutenberg

She smiled at him with the exasperating tactfulness of a woman checking a flirtation; a smile like an airy pat on the arm.

From Project Gutenberg