Offensive

usgb/əˈfensɪv/
adjective

Causing someone to feel upset or annoyed.

He made some offensive remarks about her appearance
Visual representation of "offensive" - Causing someone to feel upset or annoyed

Often appears as...

  • offensive language
  • offensive remarks

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "offensive"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Sensitivity

Words deemed offensive can vary greatly across cultures and may not be immediately obvious to learners.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
The word was offensive among her community, though it seemed neutral to outsiders.
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Personal Attacks

'Offensive' often refers to speech that personally attacks or demeans someone.

Illustration for Personal Attacks
His joke was offensive because it targeted a specific group of people.
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Non-Verbal Offense

Offensive behavior isn't limited to words; actions can also be deemed inappropriate or disrespectful.

Illustration for Non-Verbal Offense
Rolling her eyes during the meeting was seen as offensive.
Word comparison image

Compare with

abusivedisrespectfulimproperindecentinsultobjectionableprovocativerepulsiverude
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Visual representation of the word "Offensive"

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