insensitivity
/ɪnˌsensəˈtɪvəti/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˌsensəˈtɪvəti/ (ame, ipa)
insensitivity — noun
1. a habit of ignoring another person's emotions or needs, shown through words or b
a habit of ignoring another person's emotions or needs, shown through words or behavior that seem cold, rude, or dismissive
The online post drew criticism for its insensitivity to grieving families.
insensitivity to + affected group
The memo showed insensitivity to parents seeking shelter after the flood.
During the interview, Joon's insensitivity about childcare shocked the panel.
Vinicius apologized after his insensitivity spoiled the tribute to his coach.
- callousness
stronger; suggests a harder and more deliberate lack of feeling
- tactlessness
narrower; focuses on saying or doing socially awkward things
- indifference
broader; can mean simple lack of interest, not necessarily hurtful behavior
- sensitivity
awareness of how other people feel and what they need
- empathy
goes further by involving shared feeling as well as awareness
- tact
skill in speaking carefully so people are not offended
文法句型
insensitivity to [someone/something]
show insensitivity to [someone/something]
insensitivity about [topic]
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'to' when naming the people or issue affected. Often used critically when a comment, policy, or decision ignores obvious emotional harm.
常見錯誤
2. a state of reacting too little to pain, change, a drug, or another influence, so
a state of reacting too little to pain, change, a drug, or another influence, so that the effect is weak or not felt at all
After the dental injection, Wren felt insensitivity in her lower lip.
insensitivity in + body part
Doctors noted Abigail's insensitivity to morphine after the second operation.
insensitivity to + drug
The cream caused temporary insensitivity to heat in two fingers.
Months of alarm drills had created insensitivity to the warning bell.
- numbness
mostly physical; focuses on loss of feeling in the body
- resistance
often used when a drug, treatment, or chemical has less effect
- unresponsiveness
broader and more formal; can describe people, systems, or bodies
- sensitivity
normal or strong ability to feel or react
- responsiveness
ability to notice and react quickly to a stimulus or change
文法句型
insensitivity to [pain/heat/a drug]
insensitivity in [body part]
develop insensitivity to [signal/change]
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'to' when naming the stimulus, drug, or change that no longer produces a strong response. It can describe physical numbness, medical resistance, or failure to notice changing conditions.