tone-deaf
unable to distinguish differences in pitch in musical sounds when producing or hearing them.
unable to perceive public sentiment, attitudes, or preferences: The council’s politically tone-deaf plan would cost lower income residents $100 a year.
lacking emotional insight; insensitive or unsympathetic to others: She is often tone-deaf to her daughter’s needs.
Origin of tone-deaf
1Other words from tone-deaf
- tone deaf·ness, noun
Words Nearby tone-deaf
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use tone-deaf in a sentence
I just found it depressingly tone deaf for a show that typically handles these sensitive issues so delicately.
‘Orange Is the New Black’: Inside the Wild S2 Finale and What’s Next for Season 3 | Kevin Fallon, Marlow Stern | July 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTShe raps with a tightly-wound drawl, one that, to American ears, feels tone-deaf not musically, but socially.
At the time of he gave those tone-deaf remarks, the “elephant in the room” was the most-watched network on TV.
The Failure of ‘Sean Saves the World’ Is Epically Disappointing | Kevin Fallon | January 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe article goes on to say that State found the original statement "tone deaf" and in need of "major revisions."
What Happened at the Embassy, and More on Mitty | Michael Tomasky | September 13, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTHe seemed tone-deaf when he initially resisted releasing his tax returns.
Mitt Romney Should Disclose Big Campaign Donors | Peter Schweizer | April 17, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
It is easy to understand that this master of harmony possessed no charms for a tone-deaf young man.
Makers of Electricity | Brother PotamianSome people are tone-deaf, and they find it physically impossible to observe the law of contrasts.
Vocal Expression | Katherine Jewell EvertsTrilby the tone-deaf, who couldn't sing one single note in tune!
Trilby | George Du MaurierBut almost any one, not entirely tone-deaf, can follow a tune and almost everybody can get enjoyment out of some sort of music.
The Story of Mankind | Hendrik Van LoonSome people are "tone-deaf," and they find it physically impossible to observe the law of contrasts.
The Story of My Life | Ellen Terry
British Dictionary definitions for tone-deaf
unable to distinguish subtle differences in musical pitch
Derived forms of tone-deaf
- tone deafness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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