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Untactful: meaning, definitions and examples

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untactful

 

[ʌnˈtæktfəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

social interactions

Untactful describes a lack of sensitivity or tact when dealing with others. It often refers to someone who may unintentionally offend or hurt feelings due to their bluntness or lack of discretion. This trait can lead to uncomfortable situations in personal or professional relationships. Being untactful is not necessarily a deliberate action; it may stem from ignorance or a straightforward demeanor that does not take into account the nuances of social cues.

Synonyms

blunt, indelicate, insensitive, tactless.

Examples of usage

  • His untactful comments made everyone feel uncomfortable at the dinner.
  • She was known for her untactful approach to criticism, often leaving her colleagues upset.
  • It's important to be tactful in discussions about sensitive topics, but he was rather untactful.
  • Her untactful way of addressing the issue hurt many people's feelings.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word is a combination of the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'tactful', which means being considerate of others’ feelings.
  • The roots of 'tact' can be traced back to the Latin word 'tactus', meaning touch or feeling, emphasizing sensitivity in communication.

Psychology

  • Using harsh words or being blunt can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in relationships.
  • Studies show that people who are considered untactful often struggle with emotional intelligence, affecting their social interactions.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters who are untactful usually serve as comic relief, highlighting the importance of social grace.
  • Many great authors use untactful characters to drive home themes of empathy and the consequences of insensitivity.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows often feature untactful moments that lead to dramatic confrontations and interactions among participants.
  • Famous talk show hosts sometimes become known for their untactful remarks, sparking discussions on the impact of public dialogue.

Translations

Translations of the word "untactful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desajeitado

🇮🇳 असहज

🇩🇪 taktlos

🇮🇩 tak beretika

🇺🇦 недипломатичний

🇵🇱 nietaktowny

🇯🇵 無神経な

🇫🇷 maladroit

🇪🇸 falto de tacto

🇹🇷 taktiksiz

🇰🇷 무례한

🇸🇦 غير لبق

🇨🇿 netaktický

🇸🇰 netaktický

🇨🇳 不得体的

🇸🇮 netaktičen

🇮🇸 óviðeigandi

🇰🇿 тәртіпсіз

🇬🇪 არადიპლომატიური

🇦🇿 nizamsız

🇲🇽 falto de tacto

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,570, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.