# tactless

/ˈtæktɫəs/ (US) · /tˈæktləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tactless
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

saying or doing things that might upset or embarrass other people without meaning to. You act this way when you do not think about how your words affect others.

For teachers: lacking sensitivity or skill in dealing with others or with difficult issues. Often describes remarks or actions that are unintentionally offensive due to a failure to consider the feelings of others.

## Examples

- It was tactless of him to mention the divorce.
- She made a tactless comment about the food, not realizing the host had spent all afternoon preparing it.
- While his observations were technically accurate, his tactless delivery during the board meeting alienated the very colleagues whose support he desperately needed for the upcoming merger.

## Synonyms

insensitive, thoughtless, inconsiderate

## Antonyms

tactful, considerate, thoughtful

## Usage notes

- Often used in the structure 'It was tactless of [someone] to [do something]'.

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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.