Insensitivity: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe someone who is not aware of or does not care about the feelings and needs of others. It can be used in both personal relationships and professional settings.

• His insensitivity to her feelings caused a lot of tension in their relationship.
• The company's policy showed a shocking level of insensitivity to its employees' well-being.

A more formal term indicating a complete absence of sensitivity or emotional response. It is often used in a more serious or literary context.

• The unfeelingness of the character's actions shocked the readers.
• His unfeelingness during the crisis was unexpected and troubling.

A stronger term, often used to describe a deliberate and cruel disregard for others. It indicates a ruthless or harsh attitude.

• The politician's callousness in the face of the disaster earned him widespread criticism.
• Her callousness became evident when she laughed at the unfortunate incident.

Indicates a lack of interest, care, or concern. It is generally neutral but can have a negative implication depending on the context.

• His indifference to the team's success was frustrating for everyone.
• She showed indifference when asked about the current events.

Describes a lack of warmth or affection and is often used in personal relationships or to describe someone's demeanor during interactions.

• She could feel the coldness in his voice when he spoke to her.
• Her coldness towards her colleagues made her unpopular at work.

Used to describe a lack of concern or awareness for the feelings of others, often carrying a negative connotation.

• His insensitivity to her feelings hurt her deeply.
• The manager's insensitivity led to a significant drop in team morale.

Frequently used in both physical and emotional contexts to describe a lack of physical sensation or a feeling of emotional detachment, often can be temporary.

• After sitting for a long time, he felt numbness in his legs.
• The news left her with a sense of numbness, unable to react immediately.

Typically used in medical or physical contexts to describe the inability to feel touch or other sensations, can be temporary or permanent.

• She experienced a loss of sensation in her toes after the accident.
• Diabetes can lead to a gradual loss of sensation in the limbs.

Specifically used in medical contexts to describe the induced loss of sensation or consciousness, typically to allow surgical procedures without pain.

• The patient was given anaesthesia before the surgery.
• Modern anaesthesia has made complicated surgeries much more bearable.

Same as earlier, describing a lack of emotional response or regard for others. Note that this appears to be a duplicate.

Best used to describe the act of opposing or standing against something. Can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

• The body's resistance to infection improved after he started taking vitamins.
• There was significant resistance from the community against the new policy.

Applies when someone or something is unaffected by external factors, including emotions or physical forces.

• His imperviousness to criticism allowed him to stay focused on his goals.
• The new coating provided imperviousness to water, making the device more durable.

Refers to a lack of response to stimuli or influence, often in scientific or technical contexts.

• The chemical's unreactiveness made it ideal for use in experiments requiring stable compounds.
• Her unreactiveness to the surprise showed how well she had been prepared.