Insensitive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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insensitive

[ɪnˈsɛnsɪtɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

inconsiderate behavior

Showing a lack of concern or sensitivity towards others' feelings or needs.

Synonyms

cold-hearted, indifferent, unfeeling, unsympathetic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insensitive	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
unfeeling	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
unsympathetic	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
indifferent	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
cold-hearted	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

Examples of usage

She made an insensitive comment about his appearance.
His insensitive remarks hurt her feelings.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

not affected or influenced by something

Not easily affected by something, especially emotions or external factors.

Synonyms

immune, impervious, unaffected, unresponsive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insensitive	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.
impervious	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.
unaffected	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.
immune	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.
unresponsive	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.

Examples of usage

He seemed insensitive to the cold weather.
She remained insensitive to his attempts to cheer her up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People who are often insensitive may have difficulty recognizing or relating to others' emotional states.
Insensitivity can stem from personality traits such as narcissism or a lack of emotional intelligence.
Studies show that high-stress environments can amplify insensitive behaviors in individuals.

Social Dynamics

Insensitivity in conversations can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.
Certain cultures prioritize direct communication, which may come off as insensitive to those from more tactful backgrounds.
The rise of online communication has made it easier for insensitive remarks to be shared without immediate repercussions.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often display insensitivity to highlight their flaws, like Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy in ‘Pride and Prejudice’.
Many modern books and films feature sensitive protagonists who confront insensitivity as a major theme.
Authors use characters' insensitive actions to develop conflict and drive narratives forward.

Cultural Perspectives

In some cultures, being overly blunt is seen as a virtue, while others view it as highly insensitive.
Language can greatly affect perceptions of insensitivity; terms that are acceptable in one culture might be offensive in another.
Media portrayals of insensitivity often serve to critique social norms and encourage greater empathy.

Origin of 'insensitive'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from Latin ‘insensitivus’, with ‘in-’ meaning 'not' and ‘sensus’ meaning 'feeling'.
The word has been in use since the early 19th century, initially to describe physical sensations.

The word 'insensitive' originated from the Latin word 'insensibilis', which means 'without sensation'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century. Over time, it has evolved to describe someone who lacks empathy or is unaffected by external factors.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,915, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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