Word
insensitivity
Phoneticsin·sen·si·tiv·i·ty, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɪnˌsɛnsəˈtɪvəti/
UK/ɪnsˌɛnsɪtˈɪvɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. not noticing or caring about how other people feel, so your words or actions can hurt them.
n. lack of concern for others' feelings or suffering, shown in words or actions that seem indifferent or harsh. In medical or technical contexts, lack of response to physical stimuli such as pain, touch, or temperature.
Examples
“His insensitivity hurts his friends.”
“Her comment about his job loss showed complete insensitivity to what he was going through.”
“The report criticised the company's insensitivity to local concerns, arguing that its expansion plans ignored the cultural and environmental costs borne by residents.”
Examples
simple
“His insensitivity hurts his friends.”
contextual
“Her comment about his job loss showed complete insensitivity to what he was going through.”
complex
“The report criticised the company's insensitivity to local concerns, arguing that its expansion plans ignored the cultural and environmental costs borne by residents.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “insensitivity” in context.
Verb
01. accuse of insensitivity
“Critics accused the director of insensitivity in his portrayal of refugees.”
verb + prep + noun
02. complain about insensitivity
“Residents complained about insensitivity in the council's redevelopment plan.”
verb + prep + noun
03. condemn insensitivity
“Human rights groups condemned the insensitivity of the official statement.”
verb + noun
04. display insensitivity
“The company displayed insensitivity by raising prices after the disaster.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. cultural insensitivity
“The advertisement was withdrawn after accusations of cultural insensitivity.”
adj + noun
06. emotional insensitivity
“His emotional insensitivity left colleagues feeling unsupported and hurt.”
adj + noun
07. gross insensitivity
“Sending party invitations during the mourning period showed gross insensitivity.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. accusation of insensitivity
“The minister faced an accusation of insensitivity after laughing in the debate.”
noun + prep + noun
09. charge of insensitivity
“The newspaper rejected the charge of insensitivity levelled at its cartoon.”
noun + prep + noun
10. accused of cultural insensitivity
“The brand was accused of cultural insensitivity over its festival campaign.”
11. apologise for racial insensitivity
“The presenter apologised for racial insensitivity in his comments.”
12. display blatant insensitivity towards
“He displayed blatant insensitivity towards grieving families.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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