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Tactlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

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tactlessness

 

[ ˈtækt.ləs.nəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Tactlessness refers to a lack of sensitivity in dealing with others or in communicating. It often results in actions or words that are considered rude, awkward, or inappropriate in a given social setting. This behavior can make interactions uncomfortable and may hurt other people's feelings.

Synonyms

bluntness, gaucheness, rudeness, tactless behavior

Examples of usage

  • His tactlessness led to an awkward silence at the dinner table.
  • She was criticized for her tactlessness during the meeting.
  • Avoiding tactlessness is important in professional interactions.

Etymology

The word 'tactlessness' is derived from the term 'tact', which comes from the Latin 'tactus', meaning 'touch'. Tact originally referred to the ability to communicate or act without offending others; however, when the prefix 'less' is added, it indicates the absence of that quality. The concept of tact has been part of social discourse since at least the 19th century, with its earliest usages relating to social refinement and the art of conversation. The suffix 'ness' indicates a state or quality, thus transforming 'tact' into 'tactlessness' to denote the quality of being tactless. Over time, the term has gained traction in discussions around social interaction, etiquette, and emotional intelligence, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity in communication.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,749, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.