Insensitive: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone does not notice or care about other's feelings or needs. Can be used in a more neutral or negative way depending on context.

• His insensitive remarks hurt her deeply
• It was insensitive of him not to call her on her birthday

Describes someone who does not show any emotion or sympathy. Often used in a negative way.

• The unfeeling nurse did not comfort the crying child
• His unfeeling response shocked everyone

Used when someone does not show sympathy or understanding towards others. Generally carries a negative connotation.

• Her unsympathetic attitude made it difficult to work with her
• He gave an unsympathetic reply to her plight

Used when someone shows a lack of interest or concern about something. Typically neutral or slightly negative.

• He seemed indifferent to the outcome of the game
• She was indifferent to the complaints of her employees

Used to describe someone who is very harsh and lacking in compassion. Has a strong negative connotation.

• The cold-hearted villain showed no remorse for his actions
• She was known for her cold-hearted decisions in business

Use this when describing someone who shows little or no concern for the feelings or needs of others, often considered rude or thoughtless.

• His insensitive remark about her appearance really hurt her feelings.
• She was insensitive to the struggles of her coworkers.

Used when referring to something that cannot be penetrated or affected by an external force or influence. Often related to both physical and abstract concepts.

• The jacket is impervious to rain.
• She remains impervious to criticism.

Used to describe someone or something that remains unchanged or not influenced by external conditions or emotions.

• He appeared unaffected by the news of the layoffs.
• The forest remained unaffected by the storm.

Best suited for situations involving protection or resistance, typically used in a medical or physical context. It also can describe someone not being affected by certain situations or criticism.

• After the vaccination, she was immune to the disease.
• He seemed immune to their negative comments.

Applied when someone or something does not react or respond to stimuli, which can be in a medical context or in terms of emotional or communicative response.

• The patient was unresponsive even after calling his name several times.
• She remained unresponsive to his attempts to reconcile.