tactfulness

American  

[takt-fuhl-nis] / ˈtækt fəl nɪs /

noun

1. the quality or skill of handling difficult or delicate situations without giving offense.

   Her promotion was based on her influence and tactfulness in dealing with outside vendors, managers, and subordinates.

   Showing what some would consider a certain lack of tactfulness, he declared that the emperor's pious works were of no value whatsoever.

---

Etymology

Origin of tactfulness

tactful ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tactfulness

Don’t get me wrong here—I’m sure it’s upsetting to listen to your sister-in-law talk trash about your church and religion, but other than the lack of tactfulness, it’s her right to do so.

From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2021

They must be greeted with respect, compassion and tactfulness.

From Time Magazine Archive

The task should be entrusted to those who have shown themselves specially adapted by sympathy and tactfulness for the work, and preferably those who are parents, otherwise harm instead of good may result.

From Venereal Diseases in New Zealand (1922) Report of the Special Committee of the Board of Health appointed by the Hon. Minister of Health by New Zealand. Committee of the Board of Health

Franklin was somewhat impressed with the swiftness of acquaintanceships and of general affairs in this new land, but he retained his own tactfulness and made polite assurances of aid should it become possible.

From The Girl at the Halfway House A Story of the Plains by Emerson Hough

But the persuasion that had so often checkmated justice, the calculated force, the insinuating tactfulness, the living, warm appeal that had had their way in the past were absent.

From The Long Lane's Turning by Hallie Erminie Rives