insensitive

Insensitive is an adjective describing a lack of sensitivity. It can refer to a physical sense, meaning not easily affected by stimuli (for example, an insensitivity to pain or to heat), or to a social or emotional sense, meaning not aware of or not concerned with the feelings, needs, or circumstances of others.

In everyday use, describing someone as insensitive typically implies a deficiency in tact or empathy. Insensitive remarks or behavior can be perceived as hurtful or disrespectful, especially when they disregard personal experiences, discrimination, or cultural differences. People may be accused of insensitivity for overlooking others’ feelings, refusing to acknowledge harm, or failing to consider impacts on marginalized groups. The term is value-laden and often debated in discussions about speech and civility.

In medical or scientific contexts, insensitivity can refer to reduced or absent perception of stimuli, such as sensory insensitivity to pain, temperature, or touch. Conditions involving altered sensitivity are studied in neurology and related fields, though everyday usage of insensitive is typically nonclinical.

Antonyms include sensitive, empathetic, and tactful; related forms include insensitivity (the noun) and insensibility. Etymology traces the word to Latin insensibilis, from in- (not) + sensibilis (sensitive), entered English in the early modern period.

See also: empathy, sensitivity, tact, insensitivity training, social perception.