Indelicate
adjective
Not carefully respectful of the feelings or rights of others; not tactful.
An indelicate comment can hurt someone's feelings.
Often appears as...
- indelicate comment
- indelicate topic
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Lacking in finesse or grace; crude or clumsy.
His indelicate handling of the antique vase resulted in its breakage.
Often appears as...
- indelicate handling
- indelicate behavior
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Characterized by, or having a lack of modesty or decency; somewhat obscene or indecorous.
The comedian's indelicate jokes embarrassed many in the audience.
Often appears as...
- indelicate joke
- indelicate remark
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Not carefully respectful of the feelings or rights of others; not tactful.
An indelicate comment can hurt someone's feelings.
Often appears as...
- indelicate comment
- indelicate topic
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Lacking in finesse or grace; crude or clumsy.
His indelicate handling of the antique vase resulted in its breakage.
Often appears as...
- indelicate handling
- indelicate behavior
Usage tips
Disapproving
adjective
Characterized by, or having a lack of modesty or decency; somewhat obscene or indecorous.
The comedian's indelicate jokes embarrassed many in the audience.
Often appears as...
- indelicate joke
- indelicate remark
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Social Sensitivity
Use 'indelicate' to describe a lack of sensitivity, especially in social interactions.
His indelicate questions about her divorce were quite embarrassing.
Pro Tip 2/3Respect Boundaries
It's indelicate to ask personal questions when you don't know someone well.
Asking about someone's salary can be seen as an indelicate inquiry.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Awareness
Consider different cultures when using 'indelicate' as norms vary widely.
A comment that is indelicate in one culture might be fine in another.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Sensitivity
Use 'indelicate' to describe a lack of sensitivity, especially in social interactions.
His indelicate questions about her divorce were quite embarrassing.
Pro Tip 2/3Respect Boundaries
It's indelicate to ask personal questions when you don't know someone well.
Asking about someone's salary can be seen as an indelicate inquiry.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Awareness
Consider different cultures when using 'indelicate' as norms vary widely.
A comment that is indelicate in one culture might be fine in another.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Sensitivity
Use 'indelicate' to describe a lack of sensitivity, especially in social interactions.
His indelicate questions about her divorce were quite embarrassing.
Pro Tip 2/3Respect Boundaries
It's indelicate to ask personal questions when you don't know someone well.
Asking about someone's salary can be seen as an indelicate inquiry.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Awareness
Consider different cultures when using 'indelicate' as norms vary widely.
A comment that is indelicate in one culture might be fine in another.
Never forget "Indelicate"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Irwin Redlener: How to...
I urge you to think about the fact that we have to do something about this unacceptable, inhumane reality of nuclear weapons in our world. Now, this is my favorite civil defense slide, and I -- -- I don't want to be indelicate, but
Video examples
Surviving a nuclear...
fact that we have to do something about this unacceptable inhumane reality of nuclear weapons in our world now this is my favorite civil defense slide and I don't want to be indelicate but this is no longer in
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 300 PIPE...
something nice to show you oh the joys of rotten meat on hot days certainly carries an indelicate woof to it we fortunately are able to counteract the tales of horrendous smells with a very
Video examples
Irwin Redlener: How to...
I urge you to think about the fact that we have to do something about this unacceptable, inhumane reality of nuclear weapons in our world. Now, this is my favorite civil defense slide, and I -- -- I don't want to be indelicate, but
Video examples
Surviving a nuclear...
fact that we have to do something about this unacceptable inhumane reality of nuclear weapons in our world now this is my favorite civil defense slide and I don't want to be indelicate but this is no longer in
Video examples
Safari Live - Day 300 PIPE...
something nice to show you oh the joys of rotten meat on hot days certainly carries an indelicate woof to it we fortunately are able to counteract the tales of horrendous smells with a very
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
William Godwin
English Writer
Woe to the man who is always busy - hurried in a turmoil of engagements, from occupation to occupation, and with no seasons interposed of recollection, contemplation and repose! Such a man must inevitably be gross and vulgar, and hard and indelicate - the sort of man with whom no generous spirit would desire to hold intercourse.
Quote examples
Steven Van Zandt
American Musician
First of all, just because the Tea Party people appear to be generally uneducated, ignorant about the political process, ignorant about economics, confused about their own platform from the beginning, and indelicate when it comes to the craft of diplomacy, doesn't mean they're wrong.
Quote examples
Deborah Sampson
American Soldier
In whatever I may be thought to have been unnatural, unwise and indelicate, it is now my most fervent desire it may have a suitable impression on you - and on me, a penitent for every wrong thought and step.
Quote examples
Imogene Coca
American Actress
The trouble with most comedians who try to do satire is that they are essentially brash, noisy and indelicate people who have to use a sledge hammer to smash a butterfly.
Quote examples
William Godwin
English Writer
Woe to the man who is always busy - hurried in a turmoil of engagements, from occupation to occupation, and with no seasons interposed of recollection, contemplation and repose! Such a man must inevitably be gross and vulgar, and hard and indelicate - the sort of man with whom no generous spirit would desire to hold intercourse.
Quote examples
Steven Van Zandt
American Musician
First of all, just because the Tea Party people appear to be generally uneducated, ignorant about the political process, ignorant about economics, confused about their own platform from the beginning, and indelicate when it comes to the craft of diplomacy, doesn't mean they're wrong.
Quote examples
Deborah Sampson
American Soldier
In whatever I may be thought to have been unnatural, unwise and indelicate, it is now my most fervent desire it may have a suitable impression on you - and on me, a penitent for every wrong thought and step.
Quote examples
Imogene Coca
American Actress
The trouble with most comedians who try to do satire is that they are essentially brash, noisy and indelicate people who have to use a sledge hammer to smash a butterfly.
Example 1 of 4
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension