insensitive

American  

[in-sen-si-tiv] / ɪnˈsɛn sɪ tɪv /

adjective

1. deficient in human sensibility, acuteness of feeling, or consideration; unfeeling; callous.

   an insensitive person.

2. not physically sensitive.

   insensitive skin.

3. not affected by physical or chemical agencies or influences.

   insensitive to light.

4. not readily responsive or aware.

   insensitive to the needs of the peasants.

---

insensitive British  

/ ɪnˈsɛnsɪtɪv /

adjective

1. lacking sensitivity; unfeeling

2. lacking physical sensation

3. not sensitive (to) or affected (by)

   insensitive to radiation

---

Other Word Forms

• insensitively adverb
• insensitiveness noun
• insensitivity noun

Etymology

Origin of insensitive

First recorded in 1600–10; in- ³ + sensitive

Example Sentences

Over the years, “Here Lies Love” has been criticized as insensitive to the Filipino community in its perceived glamorization of Imelda and minimization of the atrocities committed by the Marcos regime.

From Los Angeles Times

At its peak, the selling was “extreme” and “completely price insensitive,” the analysts wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We’re in a commodity bull market and where there’s shortages, you buy as much as you can particularly when they’re price insensitive for the demand,” he added.

From Barron's

Markets remain acutely insensitive to policy risks, which could be a major risk itself over the coming months.

From Barron's

Markets remain acutely insensitive to policy risks, which could be a major risk itself over the coming months.

From Barron's

Related Words

• crass
• heartless
• uncaring
• unkind
• unresponsive