indelicate

[ in-del-i-kit ]

/ ɪnˈdɛl ɪ kɪt /

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adjective

offensive to a sense of generally accepted propriety, modesty, or decency; improper, unrefined, or coarse: indelicate language.

not delicate; lacking delicacy; rough.

Nearby words

indehiscence, indehiscent, indeliberate, indelible, indelicacy, indelicate, indemnification, indemnify, indemnitee, indemnitor, indemnity

Origin of indelicate

First recorded in 1735–45; in-³ + delicate

SYNONYMS FOR indelicate

1 indecorous, untactful, gauche, rude.

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Related forms

in·del·i·cate·ly, adverbin·del·i·cate·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for indelicate

The indelicate rapacity of the poet produced its natural effect on the severe and frugal King.
Critical and Historical Essays, Volume III (of 3)|Thomas Babington Macaulay
All indelicate expressions should be to them as the Sanscrit language is to most people, incomprehensible.
Martine's Hand-book of Etiquette, and Guide to True Politeness|Arthur Martine
Intense demonstration was indelicate to her; she was that way, she had not been able to help it.
Fidelity|Susan Glaspell
It would be indelicate to speak until Tallis felt that he was ready for the surprise.
The Highest Treason|Randall Garrett

The indelicate, the ignominious course of a trial at law, with all its shocking exposure, would be worse than a thousand deaths!
The Fortunes Of Glencore|Charles James Lever

British Dictionary definitions for indelicate

indelicate

/ (ɪnˈdɛlɪkɪt) /

adjective

coarse, crude, or rough

offensive, embarrassing, or tasteless

Derived Forms

indelicacy or indelicateness, nounindelicately, adverb

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