insensitive

[in-sen-si-tiv]

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

/ ɪnˈsɛnsɪtɪv /

adjective

1. lacking sensitivity; unfeeling

2. lacking physical sensation

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

   insensitive to radiation

Other Word Forms

• insensitiveness noun
• insensitivity noun
• insensitively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of insensitive¹

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

Example Sentences

Another local farmer, Rob Morgan, has expressed support for Mr Beynon, saying it was "impossible" and "insensitive" to ask him to sell the horses during the winter.

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"I cannot be insensitive to a man's distress," he added.

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In interviews and emails with The Times, parents said administrators called some of the wording in the scripts and depictions of characters culturally insensitive.

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Disney, which owns the US broadcast network that airs Jimmy Kimmel Live, said on Monday that it suspended the show because it "felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive".

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“It is a decision we made because we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive.”

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Related Words

• crass 
• heartless 
• uncaring www.thesaurus.com
• unkind 
• unresponsive