# delicacy

/ˈdɛɫəkəsi/ (US) · /dˈɛlɪkəsi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/delicacy
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. rare or expensive food

noun · CEFR B2

a type of food that is considered very special, rare, or expensive in a particular place.

For teachers: a choice or expensive food item, often specific to a particular culture, that suggests rarity and refinement.

- In some parts of the world, snails are considered a great delicacy.
- The chef prepared a rare local delicacy involving fermented fish, which many tourists found challenging to eat despite its high price.

### 2. tact and sensitivity

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the ability to handle a difficult or embarrassing situation with care so you do not upset anyone.

For teachers: the quality of being sensitive and tactful in social situations, especially when dealing with private or difficult matters.

- The lawyer handled the family's private questions with great delicacy.
- The diplomat approached the border dispute with extreme delicacy, aware that a single wrong word could end the peace talks.

### 3. fineness of construction

noun · CEFR B2

the quality of being thin, light, and beautiful in a way that looks easy to break.

For teachers: fineness or elegance of construction, appearance, or texture; the state of being fragile or easily damaged.

- The delicacy of the lace on the wedding dress was amazing.
- The restoration expert marveled at the delicacy of the ancient glasswork, which had survived for centuries without a single crack.

### 4. frailty of health

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

a state of being physically weak or getting sick easily.

For teachers: physical frailty or a lack of robust health, often implying a need for special care.

- Because of the child's delicacy, he stayed indoors during the cold winter months.
- Her lifelong delicacy prevented her from traveling to high-altitude regions, as her lungs could not handle the thin air.

## Examples

- In some countries, snails are considered a great delicacy.
- The diplomat handled the sensitive negotiations with great delicacy to avoid offending either side.
- The chef prepared the blowfish with extreme delicacy, aware that even a minor slip of the knife could release lethal toxins into the meat.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.