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

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 • Feb. 17, 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

On social media, some questioned their actions and were criticised for being insensitive.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

Is it insensitive for me to want her to stop?

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• crass
• heartless
• uncaring
• unkind
• unresponsive