insensitive

[in-sen-si-tiv]

See more synonyms for insensitive on Thesaurus.com

adjective

deficient in human sensibility, acuteness of feeling, or consideration; unfeeling; callous: an insensitive person.
not physically sensitive: insensitive skin.
not affected by physical or chemical agencies or influences: insensitive to light.

not readily responsive or aware: insensitive to the needs of the peasants.

Origin of insensitive

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

Related formsin·sen·si·tive·ness, in·sen·si·tiv·i·ty, noun

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

Related Words for insensitivity

negligence, disdain, carelessness, inattention, apathy, lack, nonchalance, alienation, disinterest, disregard, inertia, insensitivity, callousness, paralysis, blindness, oblivion, lethargy, indifference, illiteracy, bewilderment

Examples from the Web for insensitivity

Contemporary Examples of insensitivity

His subsequent horror at his own insensitivity, of course, provided fodder for a column!
The Year in Awful: Worst Columns of 2013
Michael Moynihan
December 31, 2013
It is challenging—calling out some Jewish intolerance and insensitivity.
What Beinart Overlooks in His 'American Jewish Cocoon' Article
Gil Troy
September 4, 2013
Somehow, the Virginia bill became a symbol of right-wing prurience, invasiveness, and insensitivity.
As Virginia Ultrasound Rule Fails, Is GOP Seeing Reproductive-Rights Backlash?
Michelle Goldberg
February 24, 2012
As Romney fends off attacks on his Mormon faith, he may soon face allegations of insensitivity toward Muslims.
Mitt's Muslim Problem
McKay Coppins
October 12, 2011
There was relish in her voice, as she enjoyed defying the doctor for his insensitivity.
Learning to Love a Famous Mother
Evgenia Citkowitz
May 8, 2010

British Dictionary definitions for insensitivity

insensitive

adjective

lacking sensitivity; unfeeling
lacking physical sensation
(postpositive foll by to) not sensitive (to) or affected (by)insensitive to radiation

Derived Formsinsensitively, adverbinsensitiveness or insensitivity, noun

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

Word Origin and History for insensitivity

insensitive

adj.

c.1600, "having little or no reaction to what is perceived by one's senses," from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + sensitive. For sense, see insensate. Meaning "without consideration for the feelings of others" attested by 1975. Related: Insensitively.