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Tasteless Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tasteless

[หˆteษชstlษ™s ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food

Having no taste; bland or unappetizing.

Synonyms

bland, flavorless, insipid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tasteless

Use when referring to food or beverages that lack any distinct or pleasant flavor. It can also describe something that is gaudy or lacking in good taste, often with a negative connotation.

  • The soup was tasteless and barely edible.
  • His tasteless joke offended many people.
flavorless

Specifically used for food or drinks that do not have any flavor at all. This word is typically used in a straightforward and descriptive manner.

  • The hospital food was completely flavorless.
  • After the cold, everything tasted flavorless to me.
bland

Ideal for describing food that is mild and lacks strong flavors. It can also refer to someone or something lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting.

  • The chicken was bland and could have used more seasoning.
  • His bland personality didn't make him stand out in the crowd.
insipid

Utilize when describing something as lacking in interest, excitement, or flavor, often with a sense of being dull or uninteresting.

  • The insipid tea was not worth the money.
  • The novel was so insipid that I couldn't finish it.

Examples of usage

  • The soup was so tasteless that I couldn't finish it.
  • She complained that the salad was tasteless and needed more seasoning.
Context #2 | Adjective

art

Lacking aesthetic appeal; unattractive or uninteresting.

Synonyms

crass, tacky, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tasteless

This word is used to describe something that lacks good taste, whether in fashion, art, or behavior. It can imply poor judgment or a lack of sophistication.

  • The bright neon sign outside the restaurant seemed tasteless to the passerby.
  • Her comments about the tragic event were considered tasteless by many.
vulgar

Vulgar can describe something that is crude, rude, or lacking in good taste and sophistication. It often relates to behavior, language, or appearance that is offensive or unseemly.

  • His vulgar jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The movie was criticized for its vulgar language.
crass

Crass is used to describe behavior or remarks that are insensitive, crude, or lack refinement. It has a negative connotation.

  • Making jokes about such a serious topic was very crass.
  • He showed a crass disregard for their feelings.
tacky

Tacky describes something that is in poor taste and cheaply designed, often used for fashion, decor, or casual behaviors. It implies a lack of sophistication.

  • The decorations at the party were quite tacky.
  • Wearing socks with sandals is considered tacky by many people.

Examples of usage

  • The painting was criticized for being tasteless and vulgar.
  • His tasteless jokes offended many people in the audience.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Insights

  • Some common foods labeled as tasteless might include certain artificial flavors or processed items that lack natural spices.
  • Cooking techniques, like boiling without seasoning, can result in tasteless meals, highlighting the importance of seasonings and herbs.
  • Dietary choices, such as bland diets prescribed for digestive issues, can lead to temporary tastelessness in meals.

Cultural Perceptions

  • In many cultures, sharing a flavorful meal is a sign of hospitality, making tasteless food a social faux pas.
  • The concept of tastelessness is often explored in art and literature, indicating a lack of creativity or depth.
  • Critics in the food industry often use 'tasteless' to describe overly commercialized dishes that prioritize appearance over flavor.

Psychology

  • Taste perception is deeply connected to emotions; foods labeled as tasteless can elicit feelings of disappointment during meals.
  • Research shows that the enjoyment of flavors is linked to our memories and experiences, making tasteless food often unremarkable.
  • The lack of flavor can also be a reflection of an individual's mood or state of mind, influencing how food is perceived.

Literature & Media

  • Authors often use 'tasteless' to criticize works that lack substance or creativity, impacting their popularity.
  • In film and television, 'tasteless' humor refers to jokes that offend rather than entertain, highlighting cultural sensitivities.
  • Satirical pieces frequently portray tasteless characters to demonstrate societal norms about poor taste or pretentiousness.

Origin of 'tasteless'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'tรฆst', meaning flavor or sense of taste, combined with 'less', meaning without.
  • First recorded use of 'tasteless' in English dates back to the 15th century, primarily describing food or drinks that lack flavor.
  • In modern usage, it can also describe things that lack style or sophistication in addition to flavor.

The word 'tasteless' originated from the combination of 'taste' and the suffix '-less,' which means 'without.' It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. Over time, 'tasteless' has evolved to describe not only lack of flavor in food but also lack of aesthetic appeal in various contexts.

See also: distaste, distasteful, taste, tasteful, tastefully, tastelessly, tastelessness, taster, tastes, tastily, tastiness, tasting, tasty.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,064, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.