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.

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insensitive British  

/ ɪnˈsɛnsɪtɪv /

adjective

1. lacking sensitivity; unfeeling

2. lacking physical sensation

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

   insensitive to radiation

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Other Word Forms

• insensitively adverb
• insensitiveness noun
• insensitivity noun

Etymology

Origin of insensitive

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

Example Sentences

It is naturally insensitive to polarization, highly stable, and allows waveguides to be written in three dimensions with minimal signal loss.

From Science Daily • Mar. 24, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Ant and Dec have apologised for promoting their new podcast with a video that has been criticised for containing imagery that was insensitive and may be triggering for people struggling with mental health.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

“MBS is not insensitive to public opinion,” said Ratney, the former U.S. ambassador, using the acronym by which the crown prince is often known.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

Lily, he decided, would have to learn that soon, or she would be called in for chastisement because of her insensitive chatter.

From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry

Related Words

• crass
• heartless
• uncaring
• unkind
• unresponsive