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tactlessness
/ˈtæktləsnəs/
lack of sensitivity
His tactlessness in pointing out her weight gain stunned everyone into silence.
His lack of sensitivity when mentioning her weight gain made everyone uncomfortable.
formal
the quality of being insensitive to others' feelings or social situations
The manager's tactlessness in announcing layoffs without warning caused widespread outrage.
The manager's lack of consideration in announcing layoffs abruptly led to anger among employees.
Often used to describe behavior that ignores social norms or emotional boundaries.
Collocations
display tactlessnessshow insensitivityaccused of tactlessnesscharged with insensitivity
Pro Tip
Avoiding tactlessness
Before speaking, ask yourself: 'Is this necessary? Is this kind? Is this the right time?' If any answer is 'no,' reconsider phrasing or timing.
Gold Rule
The 3-Second Rule
Pause for 3 seconds before responding in sensitive situations. This brief delay often prevents tactless remarks.
Word Origin
From *tact* (from Latin *tactus*, meaning 'touch' or 'sense of touch') + *-less* (suffix meaning 'without') + *-ness* (suffix forming abstract nouns). First recorded in English in the late 18th century.
Usage Notes
Tactlessness is often judged subjectively; what one person sees as honest, another may perceive as rude. It is typically used in social or professional contexts to describe behavior that lacks awareness of others' emotions or cultural norms.
Word Breakdown
tact
sensitivity to others' feelings
root-less
without
suffix-ness
quality of being
suffixEnglish Dictionary