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definitions

tactless

[takt-lis]
See more synonyms for tactless on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. lacking tact; showing no tact; undiplomatic; offendingly blunt: a tactless remark.

Origin of tactless

First recorded in 1840–50; tact + -less
Related formstact·less·ly, adverbtact·less·ness, noun

Synonyms for tactless

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rude, inconsiderate, thoughtless, brash, boorish.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for tactlessness

miscue, lapse, recklessness, error, gaffe, misjudgment, ineptitude, ignorance, disrespect, goof, folly, imprudence, foolishness, thoughtlessness, hastiness, stupidity, slip, stumble, rashness, gaucherie

Examples from the Web for tactlessness

Contemporary Examples of tactlessness

Historical Examples of tactlessness

  • Mrs. Brereton wondered in her own mind where Maud could have got her tactlessness from.

    Scarlet and Hyssop

    E. F. Benson

  • And, as the just reply to tactlessness is truth, also tactless, he let Evelyn have it.

    The Angel of Pain

    E. F. Benson

  • But they were used to tactlessness from Willie, and they merely winked mutually.

  • It was evident that such a state of affairs portended something more serious than tactlessness or mismanagement.

    Wounded and a Prisoner of War

    Malcolm V. (Malcolm Vivian) Hay

  • His isolating and aggressive pride engendered a tactlessness which often spoilt any chances of advancement that came his way.

Word Origin and History for tactlessness

tactless

adj.

1847, from tact + -less. Related: Tactlessly; tactlessness.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper