insensitive
/ɪnˈsensətɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈsensətɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈsen(t)-s(ə-)tiv/ (ame, mw)
insensitive — adjective
- insensitivepositive
- more insensitivecomparative
- most insensitivesuperlative
1. not understanding or caring about how other people feel, and therefore saying or
not understanding or caring about how other people feel, and therefore saying or doing things that upset or offend them
Amara's insensitive remark about her colleague's weight caused a lot of hurt feelings at the office.
collocation: insensitive remark
The manager's insensitive comments during the team meeting made several staff members want to resign.
collocation: insensitive comment
Diego realised he had been insensitive when he joked about the car accident that nobody else found funny.
It was deeply insensitive of Ingrid to keep praising her promotion while her friend had just been laid off.
Haruki's speech showed an insensitive attitude toward the struggles faced by low-income families in his city.
- inconsiderate
focuses on thoughtless actions rather than a general lack of sympathy
- tactless
specifically about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time
- unfeeling
stronger and more negative; suggests a deliberate coldness
- sensitive
the direct opposite; aware of and caring about others' feelings
- considerate
actively thoughtful toward others' needs
文法句型
be insensitive to + [someone's feelings]
it is insensitive of someone to + infinitive
用法筆記
Often used with 'to' followed by the thing being ignored (feelings, needs, situation). The subject can be a person, a remark, or a behaviour.
常見錯誤
2. not noticing or reacting to changes in a situation, and therefore failing to adj
not noticing or reacting to changes in a situation, and therefore failing to adjust your decisions or behaviour appropriately
The clothing brand was insensitive to shifting fashion trends and soon lost most of its young customers.
pattern: insensitive to + [trend/change/situation]
Kofi's campaign strategy seemed insensitive to the growing concern among voters about climate change.
The hotel chain remained insensitive to the sharp drop in tourism and kept raising its room rates.
Elena's teachers warned her that she was insensitive to the rising difficulty of her university courses.
A government that is insensitive to public opinion will struggle to win the next election.
- oblivious
stronger — implies complete unawareness rather than just lack of reaction
- unresponsive
more formal; often used for systems or organisations
- responsive
reacting quickly and appropriately to changes
- attuned
in harmony with a changing situation
文法句型
be insensitive to + [trend/need/change/situation]
用法筆記
Frequently used in business, political, or organisational contexts. The object of 'to' is typically a changing condition: market trends, public opinion, economic shifts.
常見錯誤
3. unable to feel physical sensations such as heat, cold, pain, or touch, often bec
unable to feel physical sensations such as heat, cold, pain, or touch, often because of injury, medical treatment, or extreme temperatures
After sitting cross-legged for two hours, Wei's foot was completely insensitive to touch.
pattern: insensitive to touch
The dentist numbed Binh's gums so thoroughly that they became insensitive to the drill.
Omar's fingertips were so numb from the cold that they were insensitive to the heat of the campfire.
The scar tissue on Ananya's knee was largely insensitive to pain, which surprised the doctor.
Lab workers must wear thick gloves because their hands would become insensitive to chemical burns after repeated exposure.
- sensitive
able to feel physical sensations, often keenly
文法句型
be insensitive to + [physical stimulus]
用法筆記
Used in medical and scientific contexts. Frequently occurs in the pattern 'insensitive to [stimulus]' — pain, touch, heat, cold, light, or chemicals.