are insensitive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are insensitive to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of sensitivity or awareness towards a particular issue, feeling, or group of people. Example: "The company's policies are insensitive to the needs of its employees, leading to low morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Results are insensitive to tested boundary conditions.

Composite Structures

All the proposed circuits are insensitive to ambient temperature variations.

AEU - International Journal of Electronics and Communications

These views, gay leaders and journalists contend, are insensitive to gay people in Quebec.

The New York Times

Therefore, we argue the results are insensitive to our assumption of zero erosion.

Nature

Other customers are insensitive to price because the product is crucial to their operation.

Harvard Business Review

Only the Americans could do that.Some Afghans feel that Americans are insensitive to tribal ways.

The Economist

The liberal error was to imagine that conservatives are insensitive to unfairness and suffering.

The Economist

One of its selling points, Sennheiser says, is that the products "are insensitive to vibration".

The New York Times - Tech

Even if you are insensitive to art, you cannot miss the monstrous arachnid.

The New York Times - Arts

Unfortunately, SPIO measurements are insensitive to early and moderate abnormalities.

Insights into Imaging

Calibration curves are insensitive to the scattering coefficient for the chosen probe geometry.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are insensitive to", ensure the context clearly defines what is not being affected. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are insensitive to" in overly broad statements. Instead of saying "Politicians are insensitive to the public", specify which politicians and which aspects of public concern are being disregarded.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are insensitive to" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's lack of sensitivity or responsiveness to a particular stimulus, influence, or condition. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

26%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are insensitive to" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of responsiveness or awareness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in both technical and general contexts. Its specific meaning, whether describing a physical property or an emotional state, is highly dependent on the context. When using this phrase, it's crucial to be specific about what exactly is not being affected to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unresponsive to

Indicates a lack of reaction or response to something, focusing on the absence of a reaction.

are impervious to

Highlights the inability to be affected or penetrated by something, suggesting a stronger resistance.

are unaffected by

Focuses on the lack of impact or influence, implying that something remains unchanged.

are immune to

Suggests a resistance to something, often used in the context of diseases or negative influences.

are resistant to

Implies an active opposition or defense against something, highlighting a proactive resistance.

are not susceptible to

Emphasizes the inability to be easily affected or harmed by something, focusing on vulnerability.

are beyond the reach of

Indicates that something is unattainable or cannot be influenced, suggesting a limit or boundary.

are oblivious to

Highlights a lack of awareness or consciousness of something, focusing on a mental state.

are disregardful of

Implies a deliberate neglect or indifference towards something, suggesting a conscious choice.

are unmoved by

Highlights a lack of emotional reaction or sympathy, focusing on emotional insensitivity.

FAQs

How can I use "are insensitive to" in a sentence?

You can use "are insensitive to" to describe a lack of reaction or awareness towards something. For example, "The new sensors "are insensitive to vibration"" or "Some people "are insensitive to price" when buying luxury items".

What phrases are similar to "are insensitive to"?

Similar phrases include "are unresponsive to", "are impervious to", and "are unaffected by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always negative to say something "are insensitive to"?

Not necessarily. While it often implies a lack of consideration or awareness which can be negative, in technical contexts, it can simply mean something is not affected by a particular factor. For example, "The device "are insensitive to temperature" fluctuations."

What's the difference between "are insensitive to" and "are oblivious to"?

"Are insensitive to" implies a lack of reaction or effect, whereas "are oblivious to" suggests a lack of awareness or knowledge. For instance, "The material "are insensitive to heat"" (unaffected), while "They "are oblivious to the suffering"" (unaware).