tactless

American  

[takt-lis] / ˈtækt lɪs /

adjective

1. lacking tact; showing no tact; undiplomatic; offendingly blunt.

   a tactless remark.

   Synonyms:

   boorish, brash, thoughtless, inconsiderate, rude

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Other Word Forms

• tactlessly adverb
• tactlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of tactless

First recorded in 1840–50; tact + -less

Explanation

To be tactless is to either be rude (without manners) or inept (without finesse). Either way, it's awkward. Since people with tact are polite and respectful, tactless people are the opposite: rude and ill-mannered. Interrupting is tactless. Wearing a baseball hat in church is tactless. Not holding the door for someone is tactless. This word has to do with other graces besides social graces too. Being clumsy or lacking in judgment can also be called tactless, and an employee who constantly botches his job and never understands why is also tactless.

Example Sentences

In 2016’s The Mandibles, she created a character whom she described as a “pure piss-take” of herself: belligerent, tactless, a maniacal exerciser–the Ur-Boomer, utterly self-absorbed and an unalloyed financial disaster for society.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

“I know it’s tradition to be happy on Purim, but this year I think it’s tactless to do these carnivals,” said David Heyd.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2024

The writers — both men — are pigheaded and tactless; their conversations with Penny are very funny.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2023

The looming threat of a giant Whack-a-Mole mallet hovering over our heads is both tactless and disturbing.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 2020

Müller is rather crude and tactless, otherwise he would hold his tongue, for anybody can see that Kemmerich will never come out of this place again.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque